An artist's impression of the $100m-plus development. Image/supplied
An artist's impression of the $100m-plus development. Image/supplied
A major redevelopment in Tauranga's CBD has been warmly welcomed by business leaders, but some neighbours are worried about impacts during construction.
A $100 million-plus, nine-storey residential and retail development by Elizabeth Properties - part of James Pascoe Group which owns Farmers and other retail brands - was announced in August last year for the site on the corner of Elizabeth St, Devonport Rd and First Ave.
The building will include 73 apartments and 23 townhouses in two towers that will sit above a two-storey retail space anchored by a new Farmers store.
The site on the corner of Devonport Rd, Elizabeth St and First Av. File photo
The resource consent application for the development went out for consultation late last year.
Devonport Rd neighbours Michael Smith and Sally Powdrell opposed the consent, saying they liked the idea for the development but wanted to see more detail on how potential detrimental impacts during the anticipated 18-month construction would be mitigated.
They were concerned about effects on their land and buildings, and infrastructure including supporting road networks and pedestrian areas.
Neil Waites submitted on behalf of Vivere Tga Ltd, which had properties near the development site.
He was worried contractors would park their vehicles in spots designated for tenants and wanted a guarantee that would not happen.
Approached for comment, a spokesman for Elizabeth Properties said they could not say anything during the consent process but would be able to after the council had made its decision.
A Tauranga City Council spokeswoman understood the applicant intended to approach those who submitted in opposition and try to address their concerns.
The outcome of those talks would determine whether or not a hearing was needed, she said.
Mark Irving, Priority One. File photo
Mark Irving from economic development organisation Priority One wrote a glowing submission supporting the proposal, which he said would contribute to revitalising the CBD and would "stimulate local and regional economic growth".
"The high-quality design of the complex will bring a contemporary development element to the CBD and will be a catalyst for change in the surrounding area.
Extra retail parking spots were a "bonus".
Irving said the development could create an extra 40 jobs on top of those that already existed at Farmers, plus homes for about 250 residents.
Stan Gregec, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce. File photo
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec said the proposal represented a "quality landmark development for the CBD" that would contribute to revitalising the area.
Submitter Nicola Inskeep wrote in support and urged planners to make the building "bike friendly" and include a bus stop nearby.
- Development cost: $100m-plus - Site size: 8070sq m - Total floor area: 67,000sq m - Retail floor space: 7735sq m - Tower heights: 39.5m and 36.5m - Two-storey townhouses: 23 - Apartments: 73 - sized from 63sq m to 196sq m for penthouses - Carparks: 320
