Commercial hub 'exciting' for area

Bluehaven Management sales and marketing manager Mark Day says a development at Papamoa East will provide facilities tailored to the needs of the growing community. Photo / John Borren

Bluehaven management has started its first commercial development on Golden Sands Drive, which will accommodate Palm Springs Medical Centre, a pharmacy and dental practice. Negotiations are also under way to also include a cafe and physiotherapist clinic.

Sales and marketing manager Mark Day said it was stage one of four commercial areas for the subdivision, which it would retain ownership over, but he was unable to provide the cost of the project because the developer was waiting on the valuation to be finalised.

It was an exciting time for the Papamoa East suburb and had taken "a long time to get to this point", he said.

"The land was purchased about 1994, so it has taken 21 years to come to this point."

The complex would have a 903sq m floor plan and should be completed and ready for business in November, with facilities tailored to suit the growing needs of the community.

Meanwhile, planning for the Golden Sands Neighbourhood Centre and retail stores would begin in 2016 and it was expected to be finished within three years.

Palm Springs Medical Centre doctor Tessa Stewart said it had outgrown its premises on Palm Springs Boulevard.

Its new centre would be purpose-built and bigger, she said.

"The location is good for us and close to where we are now. That side of Papamoa is growing and, with the new bypass going in, it will make it more accessible for our patients that come from Pongakawa, Paengaroa and Maketu."

Papamoa Beach Four Square owner Steve Duffield said he was looking forward to having new neighbours. There would be 77 new carparks at the back.

"It means we will get through-traffic to support the area." The community was beginning to come into its own, Mr Duffield said.

"We are in a bit of a bubble down here, so it's going to be great. It will be fantastic and a one-stop shop. Our customers are buzzing about it and it's going to be a wonderful asset for the community."

Happy Feet Childcare opened its doors in November and borders the site.

Owner/centre manager Dyane Buenter said its project had been a few years in the making and the area appealed due to potential growth.

"There is a lot happening here in the next 10 to 20 years. We have a lot of new families coming from other areas, so effectively you are building the community, which is really nice."

Wairakei Kindergarten, a short distance from the development, opened last week. Head teacher Julie Sullivan said it was important to form a community hub.