News that detailed design and planning for a future Omokoroa Town Centre can now officially commence, is being welcomed by its owners JACE Group.
Resource consent was granted for the $75 million privately-funded project on May 10 by independent commissioners appointed by the Western Bay of Plenty Council.
The proposal is for the establishment of a mixed-use retail and commercial precinct with medium density residential units, and visitor accommodation at 404 Omokoroa Road.
Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber says council fully supports the decision made by the independent commissioners as it was always planned that Omokoroa would need some form of town centre facility.
“With the Omokoroa peninsula to be fully developed and home to an estimated 12,000 residents by 2060 this development will offer current and future residents a multitude of facilities and result in significant economic benefits for the Omokoroa community,” he says.
“This enables council to hit the ground running with the structure plan for the balance of Omokoroa now we know where the town centre is going.”
The window to appeal the decision with the Environment Court expired on Monday, May 31, with no submissions lodged.
JACE Group Director Craig Lemon is pleased they can now proceed with certainty on planning and preparing the 5.3-hectare site at 404 Omokoroa Road, for development.
“We are grateful the independent commissioners had the conviction to approve consent for an application driven by a locally owned and community invested company,” Lemon says.
“But we were always aware of the inherent possibility that an appeal could be lodged, so weren’t prepared to release any further details until we were confident we could do so.”
With Land Use and Subdivision consent granted it means the company can shift to the next stage of planning.
Reiterating that development will be staged in response to demand, JACE Group will be reviewing the commercial application of consent conditions in the detailed design process and is set to begin negotiations with interested tenants.
The mixed-use commercial town centre will feature retail space, cafes, restaurants, accommodation, childcare centre, offices, and a civic centre. Residential dwellings and reserve areas are also included.
“The community can expect to see some low-level activity on-site over the coming months as we progressively cease operating the site as a kiwifruit orchard and start ground preparation in readiness for future roading and infrastructure services,” says Lemon.
With multiple community projects due to commence on the peninsula including the neighbouring school, JACE Group continues to focus on remaining transparent with all stakeholders involved.
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