The revitalisation of Durham Street and Durham Lane has moved a step closer today with Tauranga City Council resolving to proceed to the detailed design stage.

Earlier this year in February, TCC identified Durham Street, particularly the section between Elizabeth Street and Spring Street, and Durham Lane as priority areas for street upgrades, as part of the wider Heart of the City programme.

The decision was also made as a response to recent and planned developments in the area, including the University of Waikato-led tertiary campus.

Council staff and the University of Waikato are working together on the upgrade to ensure a consistency of design between the private and public spaces.

Community feedback has influenced the design, particularly in terms of greening the street and having more seating.

The key themes are reflected in the concept design - a green street with trees and rain gardens, narrower road, and a raised road so it is level with the footpath for improved pedestrian movements and accessibility.

The Durham Street and Durham Lane upgrades will assist Council to deliver the vision defined in the Tauranga City Centre Spatial Framework (currently in draft form), which sets out Council's commitment for the future look and feel of the city centre streetscape, waterfront and open spaces.

'The upgrades to Durham Street and Durham Lane will assist us in creating quality urban spaces for everyone to enjoy, and our aspiration for becoming an internationally competitive city,” says Councillor Larry Baldock.

'Revitalising Durham Street and Durham Lane will change the way people use the street, encourage more people to visit and stay longer, and generate social and economic benefits as the street creates opportunities for more activity.”

The estimated costs for upgrading the streetscape and water infrastructure of Durham Street and Durham Lane is $4.3m.