Community hub may get village site

Tauranga mayor Stuart Crosby

The Tauranga Historic Village could house a new community hub built by Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust (TECT).

TECT had proposed to purchase land within the village grounds from the Tauranga City Council on which to erect a building, and partly develop some adjoining green space for communal village use.

The concept involved housing community organisations in a centralised fit-for-purpose administration facility where the hub would be managed by a separate trust.

TECT general manager Wayne Werder said the trust had been working on the concept of a community hub for some time.

"We have had strong feedback from community groups that they would see value in a hub," Mr Werder said.

"TECT wants to create an environment that increases the capability and effectiveness of community organisations through better collaboration, communication and sharing of best practice."

The hub would provide flexible spaces suitable for the organisations it houses, support from wrap-around services such as business advice and marketing, and opportunities for community organisations to collaborate with others, he said.

Mayor Stuart Crosby was supportive of the proposal.

"The Historic Village is home to a diverse range of community and commercial entities and it is a unique multi-dimensional location that fulfils an important role in Tauranga. If the proposal goes ahead at the village it would complement existing village community facilities and activities."

But regardless of where it was located, the community hub would contribute so much to the wider community, he said.

The report on the hub will be considered by council tomorrow. The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback before a final decision is made early next year.