Last-ditch funding application for $5m 'iconic' visitor centre in Mount Maunganui

Design two - a concept for an iconic and functional cruise gateway and welcome hub. Image / Jasmax

A last-ditch attempt will be made to secure $1.2 million in Government funding to build the iconic version of Tauranga's planned visitor information centre.

Since mid-2017 three Government funds have turned down applications to top up the $4 million the Tauranga City Council committed to the project, recently renamed the Cruise Gateway and Welcome Hub.

The council's funding was enough to build a functional hub - known as design one - at 10 Salisbury Avenue in Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui.

Design one - a concept for a functional cruise gateway and welcome hub. Image / Jasmax

The extra million would pay for Tourism Bay of Plenty's preferred design two - an up-specced building with a huge roof that would provide a more memorable visitor experience at 10 Salisbury Avenue in Coronation Park.

The Provincial Growth Fund has turned down one application but the council planned to have another go this year; an approach Shane Jones, the minister in charge of the fund, has said he was open to.

If that failed, the project would progress using the council's funding only, with an aim to have it operational by the 2020-21 summer season.

An interior view of design two for the welcome hub. Image / Jasmax

Detailed design work was expected to start in February.

Yesterday the councillors debated whether an entirely fresh approach was needed for the project, with several still concerned about the cost, but they ultimately decided to stay the course.

As he has in the past on several other projects, councillor Rick Curach advocated for a design and build process as a way to achieve a more competitive market rate.

Councillor Steve Morris complained that previous questions by councillors to council staff about consideration of design and build on various projects had been met with emailed replies saying that it was not appropriate or had been ruled out, and little explanation of how or why.

Councillor Larry Baldock said Morris's comments were "disrespectful" and took offence on behalf of council staff at the suggestion they were not doing their jobs or giving the option proper consideration and asked whether they met the threshold for a reprimand.

Committee chairman Max Mason said he did not think a line had been crossed.

Morris said the council should start over on the project and aim for a more reasonable figure.

Baldock said more delays would likely only increase the price tag due to rising construction costs.