Tauranga's iconic ‘Farmers corner' will be transformed into a major retail space as part of plans to help revitalise the city's CBD.

Elizabeth Properties Limited – part of the James Pascoe Retail Group that owns Farmers and other well-known New Zealand brands - has plans to spend over $100 million developing the corner in a way that will ‘greatly enhance and expand' the site's long history of retail.

The flagship development, on the corner of Elizabeth St and Devonport Rd, will feature two expansive floors of retail and multiple levels of parking with space for close to 400 vehicles.

Between 70 and 90 high-end apartments will be constructed above the retail levels on the north side of the site. A pool, tennis court and garden areas have also been earmarked for the development.

Company spokesperson Brett Nicholls says he expects the development to help reinvigorate the CBD, drawing people into town and spurring the local economy.

'We have been in Tauranga's CBD for around 50 years and we believe the CBD has an exciting future. We're backing that belief with a major investment.

'Projects like ours will help to bring vibrancy to downtown Tauranga, and we can't wait for the public to join us on this journey. This is a tremendous show of faith in Tauranga's CBD.”

The company's representatives have already spoken with local contractors. They intend to employ local labour and resources wherever possible.

'Engaging with the local community, councils, iwi and local business representatives is going to be a priority for us over the coming months,” says Brett.

'We're going to make plenty of information available about the project. It's really important to us that everyone feels informed about this exciting development.”

Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless says his conversations with the developers indicated a ‘potentially impressive building' that shows ‘a strong commitment' towards the growth of the city centre.

'In fact, I believe the development will exceed expectations simply because of the size of the site and the commitment of Farmers, a privately-owned New Zealand company, to increase their presence in downtown Tauranga.

'It will surely raise the bar for city retail experiences.”

Priority One chief executive Nigel Tutt says the redevelopment is ‘huge'.

'This is a major project that will not only bring economic benefit to the city centre, but also vibrancy and confidence for businesses and shoppers alike.

'A strong retail offering is an important part of any city centre, and it's great to have an experienced, long term-focused investor with a strong brand like the James Pascoe Group seeing the value of Tauranga's city centre.

'We welcome the Farmers development and look forward to the project taking shape.”

Farmers has occupied the site for many years. The store will move to Tauranga Crossing while the site is being developed and will move back when it is completed.

The Farmers corner has a long history of retail stretching back to its roots as a mall in the early 1970s.

'We want to build on that tradition,” says Brett. 'The new development will offer a superior shopping experience to the current building, on multiple levels, with multiple retailers.”

Other retailers expected to move into the building include Stevens Homeware, Whitcoulls and Pascoes the Jewellers.

Local urban design and landscape experts are having input into the project, with a focus on ensuring the building has been designed to respect, and respond to, the local context and environment.

'The building is being developed for Tauranga City and its unique vibe and environment. The design will complement the CBD's public spaces and streetscape interface.”

The company expects to lodge consent applications before the end of this year. An expected opening date is yet to be finalised.

Key points

- $100+ million redevelopment

- Two levels of retail

- 8000 square metres retail

- Close to 400 car parks on 5 levels

- 70-90 high-end apartments

- Farmers to return (taking 3/4 of retail space)

- Other retailers to join