Tauranga City Council is considering how a coastal path along a popular and significant area of Marine Parade could be brought to life.

In March 2021, commissioners approved an investigation into the feasibility, consenting and cost issues for an extension of the Marine Parade boardwalk from the Cenotaph to Oceanbeach Road roundabout.

This project was then included in the 2021-31 Long-term Plan, which was approved in late July.

Community Services general manager Gareth Wallis says that now with design consultants on board and a draft concept, council is ready for community feedback.

'We want to make sure it is accessible, safe and caters to the differing needs of our community, now and in the future. We are also keeping in mind how the area connects to other plans and aspirations for Mount Maunganui."

Image: proposed initial design illustrations for dual pathway, above, and scenic viewpoint, below.

Gareth says council is working alongside hapū representatives so that cultural values are carefully considered in the project, and so kōrero Māori can be woven into the design.

'This area forms part of the long and rich history of Tauranga Moana, so we want to make sure this is given the mana it deserves.”

From December 17 until January 31, 2022, the draft concept design and illustrations will be available on council's website for the public to provide feedback and suggestions on.

Council have been gifted an award-winning interactive sculpture, Bioluminescence, a nohonga created by local designers and manufacturers that has most recently been exhibited in the Brick Bay Sculpture Trail north of Auckland. It will be placed at the reserve area between Pacific Avenue and Banks Avenue.

Tauranga City Council Urban Designer, Guy Protheroe with 'Bioluminescence'.

The nohonga provides seating and paints a picture of how this area could possibly be utilised in the future.

'Although the nohonga will not be a permanent fixture it alludes to what is possible in this area, improving the way we can all live, move, work, learn and play in our city in the future,” says Gareth.

As part of this installation there will be examples of paving materials considered for the proposed pathway that the public can give feedback on.

An open day will be held onsite on January 22 for the public to ask the project team any questions.

Recreational Reserves Project Manager, Joe Olsen, installs kwila - one of the proposed materials for the coastal pathway.

The art installation has been gifted for the duration of the public engagement and will be removed on completion of the engagement.

For more information visit www.tauranga.govt.nz/marine-parade-coastal-path.