The plans for transforming the Tauranga city centre and getting the heart of the city pumping are progressing, says Tauranga City Council.

Te Manawataki o Te Papa - the new Tauranga civic precinct at the city centre is set to be transformed into a place that the community can be proud of, and that people will want to visit.

"Since the end of last year when we successfully completed the demolition of the old Council building and library, the site on Willow Street has been relatively quiet while design of our exciting new civic precinct progresses," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.
 
To be called Te Manawataki o Te Papa, the heartbeat of Te Papa - the new civic precinct will feature a library and community hub, civic whare (public meeting house), museum, and an exhibition gallery.  
 
"We are now getting ready to prepare the site for construction of the new library and community hub, which will be the first building to be developed." 
 
Powerco is relocating some of the power cables and equipment off the site to keep power to the city running and prepare for the development. 
 
What to expect:

• Powerco’s contractors will be undertaking work during July, August and September and will work with any impacted businesses neighbouring the site to help minimise any disruptions. 
• Traffic management will be in place at times along parts of Hamilton Street, Durham Street and Wharf Street while power cables beneath the ground are safely relocated.
• Access to the Hamilton Street off-street car park will be maintained.
• A small number of on-street car parks in the area may be cordoned off at times while works take place - accessibility car parks will be maintained at all times.
• Pedestrian access will be maintained, but people are advised to please take care around the work sites.
• Bus stop D outside Baycourt on Wharf Street will be temporarily relocated further down Wharf Street and will be clearly marked. Bus stop C on Durham Street will be temporarily moved several metres down the road.  

To read more about the plans for Te Manawataki o Te Papa, visit the council's website.