Festival to launch precinct

Josh Fitzgerald of Rye American Kitchen and Spirits is excited about the plans.

A six-week winter festival will launch the opening of a central city dining precinct.

The Wharf St precinct will be launched on July 25, encompassing the area between The Strand and Willow St.

Traffic access will be reduced to a narrower, one-way route to The Strand.

The precinct will have themed entranceways at both ends of the street, overhead lanterns, wharf themed seating at some of the restaurants and eateries, community seating areas and a staged area for live performances, exhibitions and art and cultural offerings. Mainstreet Tauranga chairman Glenn Tuck said the organisation was grateful to those businesses and organisations that had supported the revitalisation of the city centre.

Project manager Sally Cooke said the themed furniture was nearing completion and the overhead lanterns were en route to New Zealand. "Weather permitting, they will arrive in port mid-July and our installation of all components is set for completion by July 25, for all to enjoy."

Josh Fitzgerald of Rye American Kitchen and Spirits said all involved were "super excited" to get the project off the ground as soon as possible.

"But we want to make sure it's done right from day one, and the extra time has allowed us to build a real festival atmosphere around the opening, which is exciting."

Tauranga City Council transportation manager Martin Parkes said the council would be monitoring the model to ensure the street layout worked best for all. "It's about seeing what works and adapting to the unknowns."