We are proposing upgrades to Elizabeth Street and the surrounding area to create a green, attractive and safe, people-focused environment.
The upgrade is proposed to be completed by mid-2021, aligning with the construction of the Farmers development.
The Farmers redevelopment is a once-in-a-generation development for Tauranga's city centre, which will bring a significant anchor store back to the area, as well as hundreds of new residents. The Farmers development will provide retail, cafes and restaurants, car parking, 97 apartments and 23 townhouses.
Council is investing in the streetscape, in partnership with Farmers, and the proposed upgrade will be completed in time for the opening of the Farmers store. The area in front of the development on Elizabeth Street and the adjacent Elizabeth Lane are the main focuses for the upgrade and we are seeking feedback on the concept designs for those areas.
The proposed upgrade aims to create an attractive, people-focused environment which will complement the Farmers development and also contribute to the revitalisation of Tauranga's city centre.
Proposed improvements
The proposed upgrade will provide:
- wider footpath on Elizabeth Street with trees, landscaping, street furniture and places to rest and socialise
- laneway upgrade, including trees, landscaping, new paving and seating
- mid-block pedestrian crossings on Elizabeth Street and First Avenue
- raised pedestrian crossings on Devonport Road, either side of First Avenue
- changes to street parking
- recognition of cultural history within the design
- safety improvements for people walking, biking and driving
- rain gardens.
Tell us what you think
We want to hear your views on the proposed options for upgrading Elizabeth Street and the surrounding area, including the Elizabeth Street laneway and First Avenue.
Feedback period closed 5pm, 25 March 2020.
About the options
We have explored several options for upgrading the section of Elizabeth Street between Durham Street and Grey Street and have selected two concept designs which could be delivered in the short term.
Option A - Do minimum
Option A - Do minimum features
- widened 10m-wide footpath
- less space for trees, landscaping, street furniture and creative elements
- no lawn area
- new pedestrian crossings at the Elizabeth Street and Grey Street roundabout, and at the middle of the block
- lower cost: estimated to be $7 million not including water and wastewater renewals
- shorter construction duration
- 10 car parks and no loading zone.
See more views of Option A - Do minimum
Option A - Do minimum, aerial view (893kb pdf) Option A - Do minimum, 3D concept view (536kb pdf)
Option B - Do more
Option B - Do more features
- widened 14m-wide footpath
- more space for trees, landscaping, street furniture and creative elements
- room for a lawn area
- more room for social interaction, street performers, tables, places to have a lunch break
- higher cost: estimated to be $9.5 million not including water and wastewater renewals
- longer construction duration
- new pedestrian crossings at the Elizabeth Street and Grey Street roundabout, and at the middle of the block
- raised pedestrian crossing at roundabout - more effective at slowing vehicle speeds and improving safety
- 10 car parks including a loading zone.
See more views of Option B - Do more
Option B - Do more, aerial view (910kb pdf) Option B - Do more, 3D concept view (546kb pdf)
We are planning some other improvements too
Upgrades are also proposed for the Elizabeth Street laneway and on First Avenue, including:
- laneway upgrade – trees, landscaping, new paving, seating and lighting
- mid-block pedestrian crossing and planted kerb build-outs on First Avenue
- raised median – left-in/left-out restriction to improve safety and to reduce vehicle conflicts at car park entrance/exit on First Avenue
- raised pedestrian crossings on Devonport Road and at-grade pedestrian crossing on First Avenue.
Future upgrades in the area
Further upgrades have been explored for this area to make the city a more attractive place to work, live and visit and could be implemented if funding becomes available in the future. Find out more about:
- a concept for a green, high-amenity walking and cycling link between the two harbours, connecting the Waikareao estuary walkway to the Matapihi rail bridge.
- intersection and safety improvements on Devonport Road, with widened footpaths and tree-lined streets on Devonport Road and First Avenue.
Concept for a green, high-amenity walking and cycling link (7.7mb pdf) Intersection and safety improvements on Devonport Road (692kb pdf)
Find out more about the Elizabeth Street upgrade
Find out more