Council applauds $18m funding boost for Rangiuru Business Park

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is applauding an $18million Provincial Growth Fund boost that will see the 148 hectare Rangiuru Business Park begin to take shape.

In Te Puke today Regional Economic Development Parliamentary Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau confirmed the funding boost, which will unlock development plans and contribute to the construction of a motorway interchange on the State Highway 2 Tauranga Eastern Link.

Western Bay Mayor Garry Webber says this is a landmark funding announcement for what is a significant industrial site and signals industrial growth for the Bay of Plenty.

“The funding of $18million is the catalyst to open up the fully consented 148 hectare Rangiuru Business Park, which will create economic opportunities for many years to come. It is significant in size and ready to start construction.

“This is the culmination of a 15-year vision working closely with our sub-regional partners and, once underway, will stimulate industrial growth in the wider Bay of Plenty.”

Mayor Garry says construction of the Rangiuru Business Park is expected to create 4000 jobs and provide a vital link between the eastern and western Bay of Plenty.

“This is a huge win for the District.”

Rangiuru Business Park is the largest greenfield consented industrial zone in the Bay of Plenty. This is the first time a site of this size has come onto the local market in over a decade, providing a significant opportunity for businesses wanting to expand or relocate from elsewhere, as well as new business ventures.

It is serviced by both rail (via the East Coast Main Trunk Line), State Highway 2 (Tauranga Eastern Link Motorway), and local roads. It is 24km to the Port of Tauranga.

The Rangiuru Business Park is majority owned by Quayside Properties Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Quayside Holdings Limited. Quayside is the investment arm of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana.

Alongside Council, the project is supported by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Toi Moana, SmartGrowth, Kawerau District Council, and outlined as part of the Bay of Plenty Regional Land Transport Plan. It is also supported by landowners Ahu Whenua Trust, Tapuika Iwi Authority and Te Arawa Group, and local industry including Te Puke’s Economic Development Agency, Seeka, and Port of Tauranga.