The series of columns to be printed under the title Mercury Bay Vision come from a document submitted to the TCDC, entitled World’s Best Thermal Ocean Village – Vision and Planning Document. It is not about agreeing with that title, but I thought the name would attract attention and comment.
This document was prepared based upon submissions made to an earlier Vision Series run by The Informer along with other contributions from the community. Electronic copies are available to the public through The Informer. It is a growing document with contributions still able to be included from the community for items of vision not yet included.
Why are we doing this?
The rationale behind this project is that somehow over time, priorities will become clear, and what are most important will show themselves. We aim to present these priorities to our readers, allowing them to decide based on need and passion. These visions or project ideas align with the Mercury Bay Future Fund, which, upon receiving sufficient legacies, will enable us to bring such visions to life, as showcased in this week’s issue. Our local rates cannot support these projects.
Every region in the Coromandel has its significant future projects and corresponding Future Fund. The success of these projects depends on the community’s hard work and generosity.
Part 1 for Mercury Bay area focuses on contributions pertaining to the northern end of Buffalo Beach, extending from Brophy’s Beach to the river mouth of Taputapatea Stream, also known as Mother Brown’s Creek. The sailing academy is just one aspect of Part 1, but a very big one, proposed by Alan Hopping of The Lost Spring.
Sailing Academy
A number of sources recommended the creation of a water sports centre, providing a base for yachting, rowing, Waka Ama and so on. These have become part of a proposal for a Water Sports Centre based around a Sailing Academy. It is proposed that this be privately funded.
What is proposed is a two-story building with a purpose-built sailing centre on the first floor and a 300-seat civic centre on the second story. Income would allow for paid sailing instructors at busy times and international sailing legends would be invited to inspire and develop budding legends. While providing a base for the Mercury Bay Boating Club the facility would be operated as a commercial venture largely based on providing sailing training to international and New Zealand trainees. A similar entity is the International Rugby Academy of NZ which has now been running for over 25 years.
The illustration accompanying this article illustrates the concept of the Academy, locating it at the northern end of Brophys Beach. It would require a reclamation of part of the beach with this reclamation being built as a groyne which would help control the preservation of Brophys Beach and return it to being a great ocean facility for both residents and visitors.
Proposal for Youth Leadership Development Programme
The proposed project encompasses maritime and domestic tourism, particularly sailing academy and tourism in Canada. It acknowledges youth programs in China, USA, and England, emphasising teamwork, discipline, challenges, and courage. The project promotes family values, catering to individuals aged 5 to 100, involving parents and grandparents.
International tourists can enjoy sailing tuition at the Commander Centre of Sailing in Whitianga. Attached sketches are provided. Following consultancy advice from Boffa Miskell, Tauranga, the project aims to establish a self-funding Civic Centre built over the Academy.
Key features include:
• A Civic Centre as a source of pride and place
• Management by a professional board
• The Mercury Bay Sailing Club as a beneficiary member of the academy
• Income from the Civic Centre will cover costs and employ young, professional, internationally known sailors
The academy aims to be self-funding, attracting both the young and old from across New Zealand, and introducing them to internationally successful sailing stars.
Comments
One response to “A Vision for Mercury Bay – Part 1”
Sorry to inform the concept planners but this a recognized surfbreak in the WRC coastal plan you have to avoid any negative to the surf break at first instance ,you also would disrupt sediment transportation in the Bay,cause a disaster some where else in the Bay.