Strong support for museum and performance centre

More than 2000 people have given the Tauranga City Council a good steer on what the community wants for the redevelopment of the downtown civic centre.

Public feedback on the Civic Heart project has shown strong support for a new city centre, museum and performance centre.

Councillor Gail McIntosh said people want a more vibrant and active city centre.

"They want a city centre where they feel connected and a sense of community."

A summary of feedback was that the city centre should retain the council offices and library. "A civic square and open space is a must."

People wanted better bus services and improved walking and cycling links, with more pedestrian-friendly areas. There was a lot of support for a museum and a big performance venue, with the plan needing to make the most of the waterfront.

Another theme was that more people needed to live in the city centre.

Specialists engaged in the project include internationally renown architects Warren and Mahoney, landscape architects and urban designers LandLAB and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research.

The next step was to provide several viable options to the council and the community as part of the next stage in consultation. Public consultation on an amendment to the council's Long Term Plan was planned for June 2016.