The University of Waikato's plan to build a state of the art marine research centre on land at the north end of Sulphur Point is ruffling feathers in the recreational marine sector.

The underlying issue with the university's decision to take one of the last grassed areas on Northern Sulphur Point for the multi storey development is an agreement they say goes back to the origins of Sulphur Point, which in the mid to late 1970s and early 1980s was dredged from the harbour during phases of port expansion.

Yacht Club Commodore Nick Wrinch says the then Bay of Plenty Harbour Board donated the strip of reclaimed land between the railway tracks and the harbour for marine related recreation. City council staff have been unable to corroborate that, and the Port of Tauranga Ltd no longer has the records.

While the clubs, the businesses, and the marina society support the university's desire to build a world class marine research facility, they say Sulphur point is already full and parking for a multi-storey research centre will significantly affect current users.

The Charthouse Restaurant has already stopped marketing since the investigation into the areas on northern Sulphur Point has been made public, says the staff report.

There has been uncertainty in commitment to formal events/weddings which is core business to the Charthouse Restaurant.

University of Waikato senior deputy vice chancellor Alistair Jones says with a site available the university can begin talking to potential funders.

Because Sulphur Point is a recreation park, the council had to go to public consultation, and the committee was reminded how the BOP Regional Council's attempt in 2005 to build a $10m office block at Sulphur Point was rejected by the public.

Committee members voted in favour of the university's proposal, except for Mayor Greg Brownless, who says land at the southern end of Marine Park would be better suited.

'I've been to a couple of functions there where those clubs have been hired out and there hasn't been one space,” says Greg.

'Would you consider some kind of priority system so the long-time users of clubs who set up there who have given years of commitment to the city would have some priority to that parking, otherwise they are going to feel when push comes to shove they will somehow miss out.”

Marine Park isn't favoured because it is a Recreation Reserve and subject to the Reserves Act 1977 whereas Northern Sulphur Point is deemed as 'park” in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002.

Northern Sulphur Point is easier to develop further because it has existing marine related commercial activities and leases. It is also closer to the supply of clean sea water required for the centre.

'The key requirements are access, the ability to grow, water quality – access to a deep water channel and room to future proof any expansion,” says Alistair Jones.

'We've looked at a number of different sites over time and sulphur point has become the only viable option.”

The university wants to establish a unique multi-purpose coastal marine research centre that will be inter disciplinary, with a core of marine science but also studying climate, social and cultural impacts and offering a significant engagement with the wider public.

'We believe it is an opportunity to create something unique that will benefit not only the community but the nation,” says Alistair.

The centre will would contain specialist marine laboratories, teaching facilities for students as well as a centre for staging equipment, workshops for servicing field equipment.

Agreement in principle from the Tauranga City council for the use of the Sulphur Point site is the first step in wider consultation and engagement strategy, says Alistair. Some of the funding for the centre is dependent on location. Once a site is agreed the university can then determine the budget and the scope and scale of the facility.

The council decision is expected today, when the dates for the required public consultation are also expected to be announced.