Revitalising Tauranga’s CBD: A Glimpse into the Future

Like many central business districts (CBDs), Tauranga has faced challenges with businesses relocating to malls and older buildings requiring earthquake strengthening. These issues have left empty shops and created a perception that the area is not worth visiting. However, significant construction projects are set to transform Tauranga’s CBD into a vibrant and attractive destination.

In 2022, during a council meeting about the $306 million civic precinct, Te Manawataki o Te Papa, commissioner Stephen Selwood declared, “the city has clearly died.” This ambitious project aims to breathe new life into Tauranga’s heart. Despite the disruptions caused by ongoing construction, Tauranga City Council’s city development and partnerships general manager, Gareth Wallis, is enthusiastic about the changes.

Wallis recently led a tour of the city centre, showcasing the transformation and offering a glimpse into its future. The tour began in Red Square at the bottom of Devonport Road, an area set to become a “sanctuary space” with play elements added during its upcoming facelift. Wallis acknowledged that the construction would cause disruptions but emphasised the importance of creating spaces where people can escape the hustle and bustle.

At 2 Devonport Road, construction is underway on the seven-storey Craigs Investment Partners building, which will house offices, retail, and hospitality spaces. This development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025. Further along, at 90 Devonport Road, the country’s largest mass timber construction office building is taking shape. Upon its completion early next year, it will consolidate council staff under one roof for the first time in a decade, addressing issues caused by the demolition of the former council offices due to black mould.

The interior design of the new council building is inspired by the pōhutukawa tree, with lower floors featuring grey and brown tones, transitioning to green, and the upper floors red. This design ensures that wherever you are in the building, you feel connected to the outside environment.

Wallis is excited not only about the buildings themselves but also about the influx of people they will bring to the city centre. With 600-700 council staff at 90 Devonport Road and an estimated 200-300 people at the Craigs building, more than a thousand additional people will be in the city daily. Wallis believes this will significantly enhance the city’s vibrancy, prompting the market to respond positively.

Despite some empty shops along Devonport Road, Wallis attributes this to buildings needing earthquake strengthening and landlords’ reluctance to invest. Additionally, much of the real estate is owned by “old money,” allowing landlords to sit on their assets without renting them out. The council meets with landlords regularly, encouraging them to offer reduced rents to activate these spaces.

At the corner of Devonport Road and Elizabeth Street stands the recently completed 38 Elizabeth, a 10-storey development hosting Farmers, a restaurant, shops, townhouses, and apartments. This impressive building adds to the city’s evolving landscape.

Parking has been a contentious issue, with residents expressing concerns about availability and costs. However, Wallis highlighted that there are more parking spaces now than a year ago, and the city’s two parking buildings were at 40% capacity in January. He noted that the expectation of free parking right outside shops is outdated and emphasised the council’s efforts to change perceptions around CBD parking.

Tauranga’s waterfront is also undergoing a significant makeover. The nearly completed railway underpass will link The Strand extension via a boardwalk, and the transformation of The Strand carpark into a greenspace is set to follow seawall repairs. This greenspace, featuring a living seawall with 100 water pods to attract marine life, will include a new playground while retaining the beloved bronze Hairy Maclary statues. The new greenspace is scheduled to open in time for summer.

The tour concluded at the Te Manawataki o Te Papa site, where a new library, community hub, civic whare, and Tauranga’s first museum and exhibition centre are planned. The library is expected to be completed by 2026, providing a home for the city’s taonga currently stored in warehouses.

With upgrades to the Tauranga Art Gallery and Baycourt Performing Arts Centre, the civic precinct project promises to enhance the city’s cultural offerings. Wallis’ enthusiasm for Tauranga’s future is infectious, and he encourages everyone to visit and witness the transformation firsthand. As the city centre evolves, it is poised to become a place that residents and visitors alike can be proud of.