Agreement signed for Tauranga Marine Precinct

Marine Precinct site visit by councils and industry representatives. Photo/George Novak

Tauranga City and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council have signed a heads of agreement that defines the main conditions and obligations for the $5 million regional infrastructure fund investment in the Tauranga Marine Precinct project.

The signing is one of a number of significant project milestones celebrated at a visit to the Mirrielees Road site this week attended by marine industry stakeholders, elected members and council staff.

This includes the marketing of adjoining properties to be sold as part of the project development and the appointment of marine industry consultant Phil Wardale as project manager.

The $10 million marine precinct project will create a purpose-built marine servicing facility and related infrastructure at Sulphur Point. $5 million of this funding will come from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Regional Infrastructure Fund as a grant. Tauranga City Council's contribution of $5 million is to be offset by the sale of properties on and near the site.

The precinct will provide a base for a cluster of boat building and refit businesses and associated marine services. It is expected to provide jobs and significant economic value to the regional economy.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chief Executive Mary-Anne Macleod said the benefits to the region from the precinct's development were many.

"Through the Regional Council's decision to support this project, and in so doing to protect the local marine industry, we will create opportunities for economic development and in turn contribute to jobs remaining here and being created here. It's an important step in preventing the loss of skill and knowledge from the region."

Mayor Stuart Crosby said the marine precinct project would support Tauranga City Council's vision for a talented and innovative city full of opportunity.

"Like our project partners, we are excited about the benefits that will come from creating a centre of excellence for marine related activities. This is a project that is investing in the city and sub-region today, with a clear aim of building a better tomorrow."

Sean Kelly of Western Work Boats said it had been a very long wait and his company was looking forward to the prospect of securing its business future in Tauranga.

"The Marine Precinct we believe is a huge leap for the growth of Tauranga's marine community. The marine community has suffered many blows at the demise of infrastructure that it once enjoyed.

"Most of all our employees and their families will be relieved if we are not forced to leave the Bay of Plenty. Further we look forward to the facilities meaning that all of our plant servicing can be done in Tauranga whereas presently it is not."