Tauranga City Councillors will start visiting the markets to gather ideas from the public about a civic precinct that contributes to an active, safe and vibrant city centre.

Starting at Bayfair Shopping Centre on Thursday, councillors are asking the community for input on creating Tauranga's 'civic heart” in the city centre, as part of Council's Civic Space Options project.

It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for the city, says Mayor Stuart Crosby.

'Council is in the unique position of requiring a long-term site for our offices, at the same time as owning the largest central city site.

'Council's Civic Space Options Project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the public and private sector to work together to create a world-class civic heart in Tauranga – one of New Zealand's fastest growing cities,” says Stuart.

'To achieve this, we will bring fresh thinking to planning ahead for the future 10, 20, 30 years to enhance the desirability, vibrancy and economic sustainability for the city and community.

'What we all decide will represent a significant investment in the long-term future of our city, so it's important that we get this right.”

The new civic centre conversation arose from community feedback through the Long Term Plan 2015-2025 that said council should look at wider options than fixing the buildings.

The Civic Space Options project was formed in June 2015 with Elected Members, Council staff and iwi.

The Civic Space Options Project will determine the best options for Council office accommodation and assess opportunities to create a world-class civic heart on the two-hectare Council-owned Willow street site.

Elected members have asked staff to investigate how the following activities could contribute to the creation of Tauranga's civic heart: Council offices, library, museum, performing arts centre, city square, conference centre, hotel, retail, hospitality activity, i-SITE, accessibility and car parking.

The next steps of the Civic Space Options project will be to assess the economic benefits, affordability, timing and funding avenues for various options, and the development of masterplans showing how various options could be physically delivered. The community will continue to be involved throughout the project.

For more information, go to www.tauranga.govt.nz/civicheart

Councillors and staff will be at:

Little Big Market Papamoa Saturday, January 16 from 9am

Greerton Village Green Tuesday, January 19 from 10.30am to 2pm

Papamoa Plaza Thursday, January 28 from 9am to 5pm

Bethlehem Town Centre Thursday, February 4 from 10am to 2pm

Little Big Markets Saturday, February 6 from 9am