Oh no, not again! The City Council are looking to re-do the Strand, yet again.
I raise this issue because in the 60 years I have lived here we have seen at least six such upgrades and none of them have worked. The TCC reason for the upgrades has been to revitalise the downtown and bring more people into the CBD. Councillors, you are flogging a dead horse. The CBD has shifted and you need to refocus to the new area.
In my opinion Tauranga CBD is emerging around Eleventh Avenue. Just look at the new substantial buildings that are appearing there. A new Bank is the latest. These new buildings have better parking and better shopping than the tired old ex CBD.
You will also notice the lack of investment in the Old CBD which is a sign that its days are numbered. Also you see now that people are going elsewhere so they are not hounded by Council Meter Police. $200 fines for forgetting to register your vehicle instead of a friendly reminder does nothing for public relations. So Councillors, wake up to the new reality and do not spend any more money on the Windy Railway Waterside Cafe Strip.
Ken Evans, Avenues.