Tauranga City Council's plans for the city's new-look waterfront almost didn't make it off the planners' books yesterday as councillors began mulling over perceived flaws in the publicly-supported project.

What was due to be a report on the plan's progress turned into a discussion that threatened to derail – or at least delay – the project in its present form.

An artist's impression of the proposed project. Photo: Supplied.

The first hurdle arose when it emerged that staff were already proceeding to the planning stage acting on public feedback, with finance set aside in the Long Term Plan.

In consultation, the tidal stairs, a pier and pontoon in front of the existing waterfront playground and Hairy Maclary sculptures was identified as the first project for delivery, and received strong backing from the community.

Staff estimate the tidal steps opposite Wharf Street and the Masonic Park can be completed for between $1.9 and $2.6 million.

A pier and pontoon sticking out into the harbour opposite the western end of Masonic Park is estimated to cost about $584,000 at this stage.

However, Mayor Stuart Crosby asked at what point was the project officially approved?

Strategy group general manager Christine Jones says the project is approved with the Long Term Plan budget in mind, which purposefully set aside money for the purpose of waterfront re-development.

But Mayor Crosby replied: 'I think it is a step too far to assume that we have approved this.”

Rick Curach voiced concerns regarding the three knot (walking pace) tide, and says the proposed stairs might have to be shifted.

Creating an embayment to alleviate the perceived tide issue was proposed in the 2008 plan, says strategic planner Adele Hadfield.

Catherine Stewart then questioned the ‘wider issues' that have prompted planners to propose a pier and pontoon immediately instead of rebuilding the Coronation Pier, which was demolished in 2007.

At the time, council replacement plans for the pier were estimated to cost more than $5 million.

There was the wording of Councillor Steve Morris's motion which was that council will consider the project.

'You can always stop it, but you can't speed it up,” says Stuart. 'It sends a message to staff to continue on and do detailed design.”

The LTP identified Access to Water on the Tauranga Waterfront as a priority project for delivery.

Since the LTP was adopted at the end of June this year, a process has been underway to develop a design concept along Tauranga's waterfront.

Projects were prioritised as part of that process, and community engagement took place between November 13 and 24.

The majority of comments were in favour of the project proceeding, and it is currently expected to be completed by the end of 2016.