Plans to get underway for future Ōmokoroa town centre
News that detailed design and planning for a future Ōmokoroa Town Centre can now officially commence, has been welcomed by its owners JACE Group.
Resource consent was granted for the project on 10th May by independent commissioners appointed by the Western Bay of Plenty Council. The window to appeal the decision with the Environment Court expired on Monday 31st May with no submissions lodged.
JACE Group Director Craig Lemon is pleased they can now proceed with certainty on planning and preparing the 5.3-hectare site at 404 Ōmokoroa Road, for development.
“We are grateful the independent commissioners had the conviction to approve consent for an application driven by a locally owned and community invested company,” Lemon says. “But we were always aware of the inherent possibility that an appeal could be lodged, so weren’t prepared to release any further details until we were confident we could do so.”
With Land Use and Subdivision consent granted it means the company can shift to the next stage of planning. Reiterating that development will be staged in response to demand, JACE Group will be reviewing the commercial application of consent conditions in the detailed design process and is set to begin negotiations with interested tenants.
The mixed-use commercial town centre will feature retail space, cafes, restaurants, accommodation, a childcare centre, offices, and a civic centre. Residential dwellings and reserve areas are also included.
“The community can expect to see some low-level activity on-site over the coming months as we progressively cease operating the site as a kiwifruit orchard and start ground preparation in
readiness for future roading and infrastructure services,” says Lemon.
With multiple community projects due to commence on the peninsula including the neighbouring school, JACE Group continues to focus on remaining transparent with all stakeholders involved.
Lemon advises locals to follow the company’s Facebook page (JACE Group) and keep an eye on local media for updates as planning gets underway.