Tauranga City Council has officially opened the doors to a new collaborative community space, with a a dawn blessing by Ngāti Kuku and Ngāi Tukairangi hapū and welcoming words from Council staff.
Commission Chair, Anne Tolley says the Mount Hub at 9 Prince Avenue will make it easier for Mount locals and visitors to connect with Tauranga City Council, to learn more about what’s happening in the area, and share their thoughts on projects and initiatives.
“The Mount has grown quickly and there are a lot of projects coming up or underway to meet the needs of our growing community, support business and industry, and enhance our natural environment,” says Ms Tolley.
“The Mount Hub will allow the community to get a better awareness of work happening in the area, connect with staff, provide feedback and attend workshops and engagement events.”
One Council project currently underway is the Marine Parade Coastal Path, a new three-kilometre path along the Marine Parade coastal reserve.
With support from Ngāi Tūkairangi and Ngāti Kuku, the path alignment and construction will respect the natural environment and cultural values of this significant place and will weave the rich narratives of the area into its design, Council said in a statement.
It says co-design and community collaboration have also been integral to another local project – the new Destination Skatepark at the corner of Hull Road and Maunganui Road.
In October-November 2021, Council surveyed skaters, scooter riders, BMXers, and other groups to see where they skate and what makes a good skate park for all users. Participants could also register their interest to be part of the community design group. The 24-member community design group met with the skatepark designer and Council staff to determine a location and begin collaborating on the skate park concept.
Following completion of the enabling works, construction of the skate park will start, with completion expected by March 2024, Council said.
“Other work happening in the Mount includes road network improvements, better infrastructure for cycling, public transport and pedestrians, and upgrading parks, facilities and public spaces for everyone’s enjoyment, now and in the future.”
“We are also getting ready to have a conversation with the community about other important issues, including how we manage parking in the area and planning for natural hazards, flood prevention and the impacts of climate change,” Council said.
The Mount Hub is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am – 4pm. For more information visit https://www.tauranga.govt.nz/our-future/mount-projects/the-mount-hub.
