The tidal stairs, new pier and pontoon for city waterfront will be built by Beca and LandLAB in partnership with Tauranga City Council.

Beca have been appointed as the engineering designers for the Access to Water project, and will work alongside urban designers LandLAB, who will provide overall design leadership for the tidal stairs, Masonic Pier and pontoon for the city's waterfront.

The next step in the waterfront project. Picture: Supplied.

'Beca has extensive experience in the design and construction of public amenity coastal structures, and have worked with LandLAB to deliver a significant number of projects on the Auckland waterfront, including tidal stairs,” says council project manager Richard Conning.

'We are confident their combined expertise and experience will deliver safe, accessible and fun access to water, and in a way that reflects Tauranga's unique identity.”

Beca Regional Manager – Bay of Plenty Gavin Frost says the company is excited about the project.

'We have many outstanding local natural features and look forward to working with Tauranga City Council and LandLAB to maximise the benefit of our harbour location and make the heart of our city an even better place to spend time.”

Council is working with Beca and LandLAB to complete the detailed design, which will consider engineering, safety, ongoing maintenance and resource consent requirements. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in July/August 2016 with completion for summer 2016/17.

The indicative cost for building the tidal stairs, 25m Masonic pier and pontoon ranges between $2.6 million and $3.2 million. These costs will be refined once the detailed design is completed, which is expected to be sometime in June, says Richard.

Elected Members gave the go ahead to the project in December following feedback from the community on the proposed concept. It forms the first stage of Council providing access to water along the city's waterfront.

Now, they will proceed with detailed designs and obtain an engineer's estimate. This will be taken back to the city councillors for formal approval for tendering for construction.

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

'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.

Council's Long Term Plan 2015-2025 allocated $8 million, to be spent in the first five years, for city centre and waterfront development to improve the streetscape, waterfront and open spaces in the heart of the city.