Josh Fitzgerald of Rye American Kitchen and Spirits is excited about the plans.
A six-week winter festival will launch the opening of a central city dining precinct.
The Wharf St precinct will be launched on July 25, encompassing the area between The Strand and Willow St.
Traffic access will be reduced to a narrower, one-way route to The Strand.
The precinct will have
themed entranceways at both ends of the street, overhead lanterns, wharf themed seating at some of the restaurants and eateries, community seating areas and a staged area for live performances, exhibitions and art and cultural offerings. Mainstreet Tauranga chairman Glenn Tuck said the organisation was grateful to those businesses and organisations that had supported the revitalisation of the city centre.
Project manager Sally Cooke said the themed furniture was nearing completion and the overhead lanterns were en route to New Zealand. "Weather permitting, they will arrive in port mid-July and our installation of all components is set for completion by July 25, for all to enjoy."
