The Farmers development that is currently taking place at the corner of Devonport Road and Elizabeth Street has reached 50 per cent on the piling and excavations of the site.

Elizabeth Properties Limited spokesperson Brett Nicholls says demolition of the former Farmers building started in August 2018 and they still remain in the earthworks phase of the development.

'We are making great progress on the site's foundations and have recently started excavation of the ground beams under the basement slab. This places us at more than 50 per cent complete on the piling and excavations of the site.

'The foundation works section of the development are scheduled to be complete in the final quarter of 2019,” says Brett.

Brett says they are on track with the projected timeline and are set to be completed by mid-2021.

'Once completed the Farmers Tauranga Development will comprise a blend of retail, residential and dining never been attempted before in New Zealand.

'It will offer a superior shopping experience to the former building, on multiple levels, with multiple retailers.

'The final specifications are 12-storeys, featuring 8000 square metres of retail on two levels, 23 townhouses and 96 high-end apartments in two towers, and 322 car parks on five levels.

Famers currently have two stores located in Tauranga, one located at The Crossing in Tauriko and one located at Bayfair mall.