Waterside key to CBD vitality

The Tauranga waterfront has been the subject of controversy for years, which is why I was pleased to hear a presentation by the Tauranga City Council project consultation team about the proposed waterfront development.
I hope we can make the most of the opportunities offered for the benefit of the CBD and wider region.
Most of the area will be converted into paving, lawn and features designed to enhance an open aspect with access to water activities.
According to the official brochure these are some of the following features:
To the north of Wharf St a large open space is proposed. This will cater for a wide range of events, markets etc.
A series of steps just north of the proposed Wharewaka Pier will provide access to the water and allow access to land from small craft.
The proposed Wharewaka Pier will take people out over the water just north of the inner harbour. It is proposed that the pier house the Te Awanui waka.
A second smaller event space will be formed just south of the existing Edgewater Fan area. A ramp at the southern point of this area will allow waka and boats to land.
Two central play areas are proposed for just north and just south of the Wharf St pedestrian crossing. The areas will provide a diverse range of play facilities for 2-15 year olds.
An inner harbour is proposed. Steps down to the water will be created. A bridge will span the inner harbour at the existing water's edge.
The existing pedestrian crossings at Spring St and Wharf Stwould be widened and made more pedestrian friendly. It is proposed to close the crossing at Harington St and provide a wider crossing from Masonic Park instead.
One objective of the design is to encourage events on the waterfront which is laudable. Hopefully the council has also allocated a specific annual waterfront marketing budget.
A critical part of the next stage of the development is the way the proposed pontoon where the old Coronation Pier was, is used.
To attract visitors it should house a variety of shops, restaurants, commercial tour offices, and tourist attractions.
It is critical to the city centre's future we attract more people to the CBD, by means of the waterfront.
The key is the word attract, so we need attractions.
A great example of a destination waterfront is the Town Basin in Whangarei.
The quayside retail area offers a superb mix of shopping, restaurants, cafes and art galleries and the area can also be booked for events.
Another good example is the Paihia waterfront, with an aquarium over the water, and visitor centre, marine activities booking offices and retail shops. International examples abound where commercial revitalisation has occurred on the interface between water and city centres.
What other attractions could be considered in the waterfront and CBD area?
How about a multi-media attraction focusing on marlin fishing and ecology.- Why not split the proposed Tauranga Museum into two with a historical facility up on Cliff Rd, and on the waterfront have a natural ecology centre. There are scores of successful waxworks visitor attractions around the world - why not build one in Tauranga that honours our national heroes?
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Well done to the city council for getting this long overdue development moving. There needs to be continued focus on the waterfront as a means of revitalising the city centre.
Max Mason is chief executive of Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, which provides networking and support services for local businesses. He can be contacted on email: max@tauranga.org.nz or phone: (07) 577 9823.