Tenants unveil plan for Historic Village revival

Jeni Fountain is one of a group of tenants keen to revitalise Tauranga's Historic Village. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga's Historic Village could be on the verge of an exciting renaissance if a group of motivated tenants succeed in getting a more hands-on involvement to turn ideas into action.

Jeni Fountain, of the Sugar Plum Tree cafe and kitchen, brims with confidence about the future of the village, which has languished as a visitor destination.

"People have been talking for years about the potential of the place, so let's do it," she said.

Ms Fountain and other tenants, including Jen Murray of NZ Health Now, are keen to give the village's advisory board more teeth in order to put ideas into action.

She said the village had demonstrated what a thriving community centre it could become with the Lions Market, JazzFest and other festivals.

Major developments nearby, including the Maori Wananga campus and the rapidly growing hospital, meant the village would also become more of a local hub.

The next step in the evolution of the village was to set up a governing board separate from the council, so that ideas partnered with the right people would see the village reach its potential.

"When you get a bunch of enthusiastic people with a bit of drive, it is captivating what can be achieved," she said.

Ms Fountain, also of Bravo Restaurant, said they were seeking a three-year trial for the rejigged board while the village owner, Tauranga City Council, continued as landlord.

"We have a group of people who want to drive the village and we need the ability to do so," Ms Fountain said.

The proposal will be considered by the council early next month when it makes decisions on the 10-year plan. The council was currently assessing the work needed for village buildings to comply with earthquake and fire codes.

"The findings may impact on future options for the village," the council said in its 10-year plan summary. "This could potentially result in a proposal for the sale of the site."

Councillor Catherine Stewart, a member of the village's advisory board, said it was safe to say the council would not be taking the sell option, given the historically significant buildings and all the work that had gone into the village.

"There would be a huge community outcry if they decided to sell."

She backed the vision, saying a report would go to the board next month to broaden its scope and give it more teeth to implement strategies.

Options for the village, depending on the building assessments, were to do nothing, some rates input, a lot of rates input, selling part of the village and selling the whole village.

Mrs Murray said they were wanting more freedom to work together as tenants and bring in outside people wanting to contribute. It was the sense of history that so much of Tauranga lacked.