Change is inevitable in the Western Bay.
As our population grows at a furious pace, so does the shape and landscape of our city.
The latest change, revealed on page one today, is that a run-down group of old buildings occupying a prime chunk of The Strand will be demolished to make
way for a six-storey office and retail development.
It is the city's biggest CBD commercial development in years and will anchor the northern end of this flagship area and provide a huge boost to the downtown area.
Historic buildings housing The Grumpy Mole Saloon, Play Nightclub, Tauranga Central Backpackers and the City Markets fruit and vegetable shop will go.
In their place a new, modern building will rise, occupying the entire Harington St block between The Strand and Willow St.
News of the development comes just days after this newspaper published a list of buildings at risk of collapse during a medium-sized earthquake. The list includes The Grumpy Mole and City Markets.
The destruction of landmark buildings in any city is a shame.
In Tauranga, these buildings have seen years of change and have become part of the downtown waterfront's identity.
They are places we all see regularly and many of us have been inside them.
There is a strong argument that Tauranga should retain this part of its heritage and unique character and we will one day regret knocking them over.
But the reality is this development is good for Tauranga.
It will create high-quality office, retail and hospitality space.
It will also create a vibrant, modern, clean feel to the waterfront area. An added bonus is the construction and related jobs that will be created.
Another powerful argument is the earthquake risk.
We have all seen the terrible images from Christchurch and knocking down potential death traps and putting up quake-resistant structures in their place not only makes sense but could save lives one day.
This development should be granted consent and proceed.
