Works at Mount Maunganui’s new urban green space development at 123-141 Maunganui Road are well underway and on track to provide a new space for everyone to enjoy this December 2018. The demolition stage of the project is complete, with the foundation and construction phase of works being well underway.
The 2015-2025 Long Term Plan allocated a budget of $2m towards the redevelopment of Phoenix car park into an urban open space.
The cost to complete the project turned out higher than the anticipated budget. This is partially due to growth within the construction market as well as the design requirements.
Councillor Leanne Brown focuses on the community outcomes of the new space.
“Our aspiration has always been to deliver an innovative and flexible asset that complements the uniqueness of downtown Mount Maunganui,” Ms Brown said.
“As part of the design process, locals asked us for more green areas, a water feature, trees, bicycle facilities and more which we plan to deliver.
“We want this space to be well utilised and enjoyed by our residents and visitors, so it has to be appropriately designed, of a high quality, and be operational in December ready for another busy summer.”
To proceed with the development and deliver on agreed community outcomes, Council approved an overspend of $490,045 today. This overspend will be managed within approved borrowing limits and council will continue to look for savings to fund the operational impacts of this overspend.
Find out more about the benefits of the new urban space at www.tauranga.govt.nz/urbanspace