Developers woo locals over new-concept seaside town

Internationally acclaimed urban designers from the United States and Australia are using a 10-day planning process for Papamoa East Part l, also known as Wairakei.

Including the proposed Modena Beach town centre, the scheme will offer an alternative to suburban sprawl and vehicle-based settlements, say those pushing the concept.

Developers Bluehaven Holdings and Hawridge Developments believed it was important to build a community and "not just another sprawling subdivision with 'cookie cutter' houses", said project spokesman Darrell Carlin.

Tauranga mayor Jan Beange will officially launch the process this evening, with the planners meeting a cross-section of people to be served by the new centre.

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