A new Community Business Hub, led by the Tauranga Energy Consumer Trust, has reached a significant milestone.

A dawn karakia marking the beginning of site preparation for the new community business hub building at the Historic Village, has been followed by the start of the enabling works.

Led by Ngai Tamarawaho elders, the karakia focused on acknowledging CBC Construction Ltd and those who will be working on the site.

TECT bought the land within the Historic Village grounds from the Tauranga City Council to build the Hub, and partly develop some adjoining green space for communal Village use.

CBC Construction is confirmed as the main contractor for the development with construction work expected to commence mid-year.

The community hub, named The Kollective, will be managed by SociaLink - a separate trust providing support for the social sector.

The co-working facility will provide support to community organisations within Tauranga and the Western Bay.

The goal is to create an environment increasing the capability and effectiveness of these organisations through better collaboration, communication and sharing of best practice.

The Kollective will be the largest of its kind in New Zealand, and is a result of extensive engagement with community organisations to understand key areas of support required to enable delivery of effective outcomes to the community

TECT General Manager Wayne Werder says TECT has been working on the concept of a community hub for some time.

'We have had strong feedback from community groups that they would see value in a shared working space, so it is exciting to reach such a significant milestone in the project.”

The Kollective will provide flexible working spaces, wrap-around services such as business advice and marketing, as well as opportunities for community organisations to collaborate with others.