Straight from city council A personal view, by Councillor Steve Morris

2018 is one of the most transformational years our city has seen since the opening of the harbour bridge 30 years ago. It's an exciting time to live here and be a part of it. For years, Tauranga's CBD has reflected that of the small provincial centre it once was; second in the Bay of Plenty region to Rotorua – but no longer.

The $100m Farmers redevelopment, with mall and twin apartment towers, is about to begin. Our city's $40m university will open next year, by which time demolition of the 40-year-old Westpac/Trust Bank/Bay Savings Bank tower will be underway, to be replaced by a taller, $50m commercial and apartment building.

Council's adding 550 carparks in our new parking building underway on Harrington St; a new civic building and library are planned to start in the near future too. There are two boutique hotels under construction and more office space on The Strand.

In five years' time the city will look and feel very different. There will be more young people, more people working in offices, more buses and improvements to our waterfront – which are likely to include a rebuilt Coronation Pier (if I get my way) and perhaps even a coastal walkway between The Strand and Memorial Park.

That's why it's crucial we invest more in our transport links now. Over the next 12 months you can expect to see a greater focus from councillors and our new CEO on transport.