Tauranga new pop-up container village to open

Our Place will officially open on August 25. Photo/Supplied

Tauranga's new pop-up container village will officially open next weekend.

Our Place on Willow St, created by Little Big Events, will open with a free event on August 25.

From 10am there will be free face painting, a photo booth, live music and workshops, as well as a cinema screening the All Blacks' game against Australia in the evening.

Our Place director Rachelle Duffy said the mix of shopping, dining and community events created a welcoming space for all.

Duffy said there would be plenty for people to see and do, including Johney's Dumpling House, High Tide Bar, craft and retail stores, workshops, music and East Coast Ice-cream.

"I'd love to see this become a familiar place for everyone to pop in and spend time visiting and meeting friends," she said.

Tauranga City Council's city transformation chairman Larry Baldock said the new container village will be a great addition for Tauranga.

"There is a lot of change happening in our city centre and Our Place is a space that offers a transitional example of where we want to be heading, with plenty of community involvement and activity, and a great space to connect with others," Baldock said.

"Little Big Events has come on board to create something we can be proud of in Tauranga."

The container village provides space for local businesses, offering affordable rent to social enterprises and start-ups, with event spaces and public areas available for community hire.

"Our Place is a fantastic new experience to encourage people to visit our city centre, and our local retailers and restaurants are looking forward to the buzz that it will create.

"I encourage everyone to come along and join in the celebrations on the opening day, the more people that support these great initiatives the better."

For more information visit www.facebook.com/ourplacetauranga/

THE DETAILS:
What: Party at Our Place
When: Saturday, 25 August, 10am – late