What we do

Our competitive advantage

Tauranga City Centre

In the 21st Century, the competition for talented people, businesses, investment and resources is more intense than ever before, as these assets can be easily transferred to markets around the world. Research has shown that the increasingly mobile population has been moving to locations that are perceived as a place of opportunity and that meet the lifestyle choices of individuals. The cities that are thriving are those that offer an attractive environment, a rich cultural life, and have a commitment to a sustainable future. This is the new formula for a healthy local economy.

Great cities do not evolve by accident – they come about by having a vision, a strategy and a plan for implementation. Tauranga’s City Centre Strategy has been developed to position Tauranga as a sustainable, vibrant, contemporary city – attracting business and talent, creating high value employment and stimulating economic growth.

Tauranga’s city centre already has spectacular natural public amenity, situated along the harbour’s edge and including lush parks and heritage sites. The City Centre Strategy will build on these natural assets to increase the vibrancy and activity in the city, including the development of the waterfront and a number of ‘precincts’ focusing on events & entertainment, arts & culture, tertiary education & research, financial & business services, civic activities and boutique shopping.

Implementation of the City Centre Strategy is being led by Priority One in partnership with Tauranga City Council, Tauranga Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Bay of Plenty, Creative Tauranga, the Property Council, Tauranga Mainstreet and the tertiary partnership of University of Waikato and Bay of Plenty Polytechnic. Key projects and activities include:

Waterfront Development: Transformation of the city’s harbour edge into an iconic destination that celebrates the city’s connection to the water will provide a versatile space for families, events, festivals, markets, cafés and other leisure activities, and become a natural extension of Tauranga’s city centre.

City Living: The creation of a premier urban living environment in the inner city will add significantly to its vibrancy, attract investment and talent, increase retail spend, stimulate events and activities, and encourage the development of key commercial sites.

International Hotel & Conference Centre: A business-focused, internationally recognised hotel with conference facilities will attract conferences, events and travelers (both business and leisure) to Tauranga and add to the vitality of the city centre.

Arts & Culture: Building on the unique and dynamic Tauranga Art Gallery, Creative Tauranga’s art space and the Cargo Shed, this precinct will attract artists, stimulate cultural activities, encourage niche galleries & studios, showcase the work of local artists and create a strong nurturing environment for emerging talent.

Entertainment & Events: Expanding on the iconic events held in the city centre such as the Tauranga Arts Festival, National Jazz Festival and Tauranga Moana Seafood Festival, the city centre will become the premier events venue for the sub-region, building on the area’s natural and built strengths and maximising opportunities along The Strand and the waterfront.

Tertiary Education & Research: A dynamic tertiary campus, including tertiary related cafes, shops and student accommodation, will significantly enhance activity in the city centre and profile Tauranga as a leading destination for education and research.

Unique Shopping Experiences: A mix of national retailers and smaller, niche boutiques showcasing local designer talent, combined with cafes, restaurants, bars and cinemas, will make the city centre Tauranga’s premier shopping destination.

Commercial Developments: Increased activity in the city centre will provide a catalyst to attract investment and the development of A grade office space and quality commercial investments, which will cascade in height down to the waterfront.

Major Business & Financial Centre: Recognised as the financial and business centre for the region, attracting corporate head office relocations and skilled and talented people wishing to progress their careers in the financial and business services sector.

If you have a business or activity planned for the city centre, please contact Duarne Lankshear, City Centre Project Manager, on duarne@priorityone.co.nz.