City councillors today approved the construction of new tidal stairs, a new pier and pontoon on Tauranga's waterfront.

Confirmation of the project came following feedback from the community on the proposed concept.

A concept drawing showing the tidal stairs, pier and yet to be approved replacement for the former Coronation Pier. Photo: Supplied.

The tidal stairs, pier and pontoon will form the first stage of council's initiative providing access to water along the city's waterfront.

Officials will now complete a detailed design, with the aim to have the facilities ready for summer 2016/17.

Being able to access the water is important to the community, says Mayor Stuart Crosby.

'Feedback from the community on the concept via Facebook, our 'have your say' email, at the Tauranga Marine Show and in conversations with council staff and elected members was an overwhelming ‘yes please',” says Stuart.

'This will be a new dimension for our waterfront. I am confident this is the right decision for our waterfront development.”

Council staff have been talking with local water user groups, such as rowing clubs and waka ama as well as local iwi throughout the process, who, on the whole are supportive of the concept.

'Our waterfront is a significant part of our city's history and culture, and is such a jewel in our crown, so it's exciting to be able to make it more accessible for people to enjoy the water and engage with events and activities in our city centre,” says Stuart.

The indicative cost for building the proposed tidal stairs, pier and pontoon ranges between $2.6 million and $3.2 million.

These costs will be refined once the detailed design is completed. The detailed design stage will consider engineering, safety, ongoing maintenance and resource consent requirements, as well as how to reflect Tauranga's unique identity.

Council's allocated $8 million, to be spent in the first five years of the recent Long Term Plan, hopes to cover the city centre and waterfront development to improve the streetscape and open spaces in the heart of the city.

'The access to water project has been developed in parallel with the Tauranga City Centre Spatial Framework – a visual representation of what we want our public spaces and streets, and waterfront to be.

'A big part of this is the reconnection with water and access to the water,” says Stuart.