Priority One CEO Andrew Coker says the development of the Harbour Central Marine Precinct development is on track with an investor in negotiations with Tauranga City Council over leasing arrangements for a 5.1 hectare space.

'I think they will probably carry on doing what they are doing until it's all negotiated and worked through,” says Andrew.

A design plan for the Tauranga Harbour Central Marine Precinct.

The Western Bay of Plenty economic development organisation has minded the project, first calling for expressions of interest from investors keen to develop a $20 million boat haul out and repair facility on the 5.1ha former Baigents property at Sulphur Point.

Stage one of the concept designs is construction of hardstanding for the operation of a 150 tonne travel lift on the Edwards slip site, and a covered work area.

Priority One's investigations found there is demand for a 150 tonne travel lift, a large covered work area for weather dependent maintenance, plus more wharves and the hardstanding, warehousing and office space to accommodate the facilities.

A dedicated paint hall, a refit shed, a Port of Tauranga tug-capable ship lift platform, plus an 80-tonne travel lift were envisaged for stage two when expressions of interest were called for.

The study is predicated on Harbour Central servicing recreational and commercial vessels of more than 35 tonnes and up to 55m in length – boats that are too big for the marina travel lifts.

The investor negotiating a lease with the council is 'A local individual working with a group of investors who are passionate about the marine sector,” says Andrew.

'It's in their hands; it's council owned land and the guy that's come forward needs a commercially viable lease.

'That takes some time and in ‘to-ing and fro-ing' between council and the developer.

'The council's been fantastic in terms of their openness and willingness to consider options for that site to really enable it to be developed,” says Andrew.

'That needs to be mentioned. They don't have to do anything and they are really working hard to see an established viable marine precinct down there.”

He thinks there will be an announcement in a month or two.

The coastal consent application has been lodged with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, everything else is ready to fly, says Andrew.

An earlier economic impact study forecasts the development creating up to 520 new jobs and over $100 million of revenue into the economy each year.