If you live, work, shop, walk, cycle or drive around Elizabeth Street and the new Farmers development, we want to hear your thoughts on proposed upgrades to the area. Council has developed proposed options to upgrade a section of Elizabeth Street, as well as improvements to First Ave, Devonport Road and Elizabeth Lane.
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. 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, scheduled for April 2021. The area in front of the development on Elizabeth Street and the adjacent Elizabeth Lane are the main focuses for the upgrade and Council is 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. This would entail a pedestrian-focused, slow-speed environment where people can feel safe, connect and relax.
Consultation on proposed options starts today and will run until 5pm on Wednesday, 25 March.
General Manager Community Services Gareth Wallis acknowledges the opportunity the upgrade presents.
“This project is an example of how we can harness opportunities to create vibrant streets and public places where people want to live, work and play, and businesses want to invest,” Mr Wallis said.
“The Farmers redevelopment provides us with an opportunity to upgrade the surrounding area now, in a way that minimises disruption and ensures the quality of the streets and public spaces are complementary to the new development.
“We will be working closely with the Elizabeth Street, Devonport Road and First Ave businesses and are looking forward to input from the community to guide our decision-making.
“The proposed work is also an opportunity to recognise and celebrate our history. We will be working closely with mana whenua, Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Ngāti Tapu, through the design process.”
Following consultation, the community feedback provided will inform Council’s decision on a concept design proposal, and whether to progress to detailed design and construction.
Tell us what you think
Find out more about Council’s proposal at www.tauranga.govt.nz/elizabethstreet
Visit us at our pop up at 50 Devonport Road (next to Pluto) and chat to Council staff on Friday, 20 March 2020 from 10am to 2pm.
Ways to share your feedback
Submit online under the Have your say section
Fill out a hard copy form available at the Council Customer Service Centre
Submissions close at 5pm on Wednesday, 25 March 2020.
High-res concept images available for download here.