We were approached by Priority One, the Western Bay of Plenty region's economic development organization, with an exciting request. Our brief: to redevelop a portion of the Tauranga waterfront to create a mixed-use development.
Covering 42,250 square meters, the entire development includes an aquarium, conference and meeting facilities, retail spaces, dining areas, function rooms, offices, cultural centre, and hotel. The redevelopment also proposes a significant upgrading and expansion of the current wharf facilities, and creation of a green space.
Centre to the development is a unique floating aquarium, strategically positioned on Tauranga Harbour, and designed to showcase the marine life of the Bay of Plenty.
Shore-based exhibits will have several thematic zones, carefully curated to display the diverse habitats of the rivers, creeks, lakes, and mangroves of the wider Bay of Plenty region.
Beneath the floating pontoon will be a 100-meter-long walkthrough tunnel – making this one of the longest aquarium tunnels in the world. This exhibit will use the natural motion of the tide for tank filtration and contain over 6,000 fish, all native to the Bay of Plenty waters.
We aim to develop an exciting and innovative space on the Tauranga waterfront to create a precinct that will contribute significantly to individual and broader community wellbeing, offering social and educational opportunities, as well as a chance for locals to explore the area’s marine environment alongside the local culture of the region.
With the initial concept design approved in principle, we are currently waiting on approval from the partners to begin this project. We look forward to seeing this progressive project come to life in Tauranga.
