Twelve businesses have recently closed or are about to close in Tauranga CBD, Downtown Tauranga says. Photo / Sun Media
Tauranga’s CBD “is in crisis” with empty businesses and construction giving the perception it’s a “place to stay away from”.
That is the view of Downtown Tauranga board chairman Brian Berry who spoke at Tauranga City Council’s Finance, Strategy and Risk Committee meeting today.
Berry was presenting the six-monthly report for the organisation which represents and promotes CBD businesses.
“Our CBD is in crisis, and we collectively are trying to solve that in a timely timeframe,” Berry said.
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“In the wider community, there’s a real perception problem. It’s been there for the last three to four years, that the CBD is a place to stay away from.”
He said parking costs and availability were challenging, but availability had improved with the reintroduction of paid parking in December last year.
“There are multiple vacant shops, it’s dead down there, problems with vagrants and so on.
“And with the various substantial developments getting under way or nearing completion, the situation’s only going to get worse in the near term.”
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Construction of the $304 million civic precinct Te Manawataki O Te Papa was under way as well as several other construction projects including new council offices on Devonport Rd.
Berry said the organisation last week collated a list of 12…
