Editorial: Hope is on the horizon

Tauranga CBD is about to undergo a transformation.

Much has been written about the changing face of Tauranga's downtown.

Concerns have been expressed about the number of empty ground-floor shops in the area. The drift towards suburban malls, which have free parking, and the rise of online shopping have contributed to a period of decline.

So news that the area is undergoing a transformation is welcome indeed.

This week the Bay of Plenty Times reported the area had received "a shot in the arm" with more than $23 million worth of building consents in the year to June 30. This was up 212 per cent from the previous 12 months and business leaders say it the area is evolving into a commercial hub.

Major consents were issued for the Trustpower head office which had three consents valued at $12.5 million but there were others for earthquake strengthening work, refurbishments and the new Gartshore building in Wharf St,

Commercial real estate agents also report renewed interest in downtown Tauranga with several high-profile buildings sold over recent weeks to investors, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stan Gregec says retail has suffered but there is hope that this will be reversed as more big employers move into the area. More workers in the area means more foot traffic.

The Steamers' return to Tauranga Domain on Sunday also proved to be a big boost for businesses in the CBD last weekend

Despite the Steamers' 43-10 loss to Waikato, the crowd remained positive, enjoying the fanzone on Wharf St and the Strand before the game and returning after to make the most of the bars and restaurants close by. The Wharf St Dining Precinct has also proved popular. Proactive initiatives such as these will help ensure the area remains a destination.

It's been a tough few years for downtown business owners but there is hope that things may finally be turning around.