An independent commission decision to approve a new 'mixed use” commercial town centre development in Omokoroa, has Western Bay of Plenty District Council's full backing.

Independent commissioners granted resource consent for JACE Investments Ltd's $75 million privately-funded proposal to develop a future Omokoroa Town Centre this week.

The proposal is for the establishment of a mixed-use retail and commercial precinct with medium density residential units, and visitor accommodation at 404 Omokoroa Road.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber says council fully supports the decision made by the independent commissioners as it was always planned that Omokoroa would need some form of town centre facility.

'With the Omokoroa peninsula to be fully developed and home to an estimated 12,000 residents by 2060 this development will offer current and future residents a multitude of facilities and result in significant economic benefits for the Omokoroa community,” he says.

'This enables council to hit the ground running with the structure plan for the balance of Ōmokoroa now we know where the town centre is going.”

The land includes about 5.3ha of commercial-zoned land and is the last undeveloped site in the main Omokoroa commercial zone.

Another 2.5ha has been zoned for future urban land.

Craig Lemon, director of JACE Group, has also welcomed the decision.

'The decision, subject to conditions, comes after two years of extensive resource consent preparation, planning and commitment,” says Craig.

'It is a significant moment for JACE Group, and we are looking forward to commencing operational planning following final application processes.

'We would like to extend our appreciation to the community for the ongoing support received during this time.

'It continuously reinforced our drive and ambition to achieve a successful outcome.”

The Land Use and Subdivision Consent is now subject to a three-week window for any appeals to be lodged with the Environment Court.