Work to develop a marine precinct at Sulphur Point is gaining momentum with the appointment of a project manager and a temporary office established at the site.

The Tauranga Marine Precinct project involves construction of a purpose-built marine servicing facility and related infrastructure on the 3.56 hectare site, formerly the Baigents site on Mirrielees Rd.

Tauranga's Deputy Mayor Kelvin Clout, in front of the site expected to become the focus for Tauranga's commercial marine industries.

Tauranga City Council property manager Anthony Averill has been appointed project manager and says should the $10 million project obtain approval in TCC's 2014/2015 annual plan, the first tenders called will be for the sea wall, hard stand and the travel lift facilities.

Currently, the total development allows for about 17 lots in ranging sizes, with stage one of construction planned to commence in the 2014/15 financial year.

That would involve laying the hard stand round the 100 tonne slip, which will be converted into the dock for a minimum 200 tonne vessel hoist.

The project is expected to create 195 jobs, generate $15.12 million in added value to the regional economy each year, and make $46.95 million revenue per year in the economy.

The site is currently zoned as Port Industry and is owned by Tauranga City Council.

Earlier proposals from the Tauranga Marine Industry Association failed to go ahead because of tenure issues on council-owned land.

A new approach is possible following Bay of Plenty Regional Council assigning $5 million towards the project from its infrastructure development fund.

TCC's contribution of $5m is expected to be raised in part through sale of nearby land.

At TCC's annual plan hearing this week, TMIA chairman Robert McAllister expressed his support, saying the profit figures are not over-optimistic.

'We have very good basis for our estimates. Fifteen years of a thriving marine industry at the 600 tonne slip and 100 tonne slip.”

The 600 tonne slip was removed in 2007, to allow construction of the second harbour bridge.

The commercial-sized travel lift is expected bring back many commercial boats that have had to go elsewhere for inspection, refurbishment and repair since 2007.

'Over recent years we have seen the degradation of these marine assets to the point where service options for many vessels are no longer available in Tauranga,” says Robert.

'Many boats which were being serviced here are now are still working in the area, but are forced to travel to Whangarei and Nelson to access suitable slipway facilities.

'Marine-focussed businesses have also suffered, due to the lack of facilities, with many businesses closed and others unlikely to continue as their owners retire.”

The development will also include a commercial marina development between the current jetty and Cross Rd, to cater for workboats and the fishing fleet.