New Mount visitor centre designs considered

Information centre on the cards for Tauranga. Photo/file

Tauranga city councillors looked at concept design ideas for a proposed visitor information centre in Mount Maunganui today.

The proposed centre would be in Coronation Park and was a "visible investment in the future of Tauranga's tourism".

A meeting was planned for February 14 when elected members would decide whether to include a centre in the 2017/18 Annual Plan discussion and decisions.

Councillor Max Mason said a visitor information centre would represent the stunning region and secure the city's place in the country's tourism market.

Already city council has been working with Tourism BOP and Jasmax Architect's on the potential project. Iwi, the Port of Tauranga, police, the current lessee of 10 Salisbury Ave and Mount Mainstreet had been consulted.

Tourism BOP CEO Kristin Dunne said a purpose-built centre would reinforce the city's reputation as a leading tourism destination.

"The major tourism centres of the world have fit-for-purpose visitor information centres and the symbol is synonymous around the world."

A report was being prepared with recommendations to be presented to elected members on February 14.

If the project was approved to go into the 2017/18 Annual Plan then council and Tourism BOP would engage with tourism operators and the community about the plans.