Despite its stunning location on the water, Tauranga’s city centre hasn’t met its full potential as a liveable, people-centric, thriving hub. Still ruled by the car and with a waterfront screaming for attention, the city could be so much more with some good planning and design. With the phenomenal growth of Tauranga in recent years, it’s time to make the CBD a fitting showcase for all that’s great about the city.
Bay of Plenty planning group SmartGrowth has estimated Tauranga’s population will grow 37 per cent in 20 years (from 2013 to 2033) and the city will need to accommodate an additional 45,000 new households. We’re seeing young professionals and families move into the area and with the labour market expanding, new businesses are being initiated, and the local economy is on an upward trajectory.