Council is pleased to announce it will partner with Little Big Events to activate the space on the corner of Willow Street and Hamilton Street once the Council administration building is demolished.
Little Big Events are the creators and managers of community-focused events such as The Little Big Markets in Mount Maunganui and Papamoa, Dinner in the Domain, Tauranga’s Christmas in the Park, Vegan Vibes, Beast of a Feast, Street Food Union and Diner en Blanc. They were also responsible for the re-activation of the Victoria Park Markets in Auckland.
The space would be a temporary placeholder until investment decisions are made on the future of the space and the site is developed.
City Transformation Committee Chair Larry Baldock said Little Big Events have an excellent reputation for delivering quality events that bring communities together.
“We are confident their calendar of events and activities will create a sensational and surprising space that will draw people into the city centre,” he said.
“The activities, entertainment and events align with the purpose of the Heart of the City programme, which is to work in partnership to create a vibrant, safe and successful city centre, and Council’s shared aspiration for Tauranga to be an internationally competitive city,” Mr Baldock said.
Little Big Events Director Rachelle Duffy said they are passionate about adding diversity and vibrancy to communities, and offering a platform for small scale businesses, artists, musicians and food vendors to flourish and grow.
“The objective is to create a space that acknowledges history whilst looks to the future by creating a safe, vibrant and energetic community venue. The heart would be known as Our Place - branded as such to reflect there will be something for everyone, and everyone is welcome.”
Council sought registrations of interest for strategic activation of the site in March 2017. Registrations closed on 13 April 2017.
The demolition of the administration building is currently scheduled to be completed by the end of October 2017, and it is anticipated that Our Place would be operational from November 2017.
Council is currently developing business cases for a museum, city library and new performance venue. Investment decisions will be part of the 2018-2028 Long Term Plan process.