Bethlehem could have a major sports park by 2020 if a meeting today of the Tauranga City Council approves funding of $12 million.
The meeting has been asked to back the plan to develop a portion of the 33 hectares of council-owned land above Taniwha Place that was currently a kiwifruit orchard called Parau Farms.
The development of seven sports fields will remedy an expected city-wide shortage playing grounds by 2023.
Secrecy surrounds a potential cost-sharing partnership with a developer needed to progress the project.
A report from strategic and corporate planning team leader Cheryl Steiner said the development will ensure that the city had enough sports grounds to meet projected demand for the next 10 to 15 years.