The Project, Services and Operations Committee voted unanimously to support an additional $1m for the Kulim Park redevelopment on June 18.

The funding would come from historic development contributions, which are fees used to fund the infrastructure required as the result of the growth of Tauranga City.

Tauranga City Council general manager of community services Gareth Wallis says the $1m funding will reintroduce design elements that were reduced or removed in order to significantly lower the tender price.

This includes things like planting, seating, barbecues, board walks, signage and more.

'There is also a need for a budget to cover costs that are not covered by the contractor, such as contingency funding for unexpected delays, and a final round of community engagement and design revision.”

A design concept for the redevelopment of Kulim Park was developed in 2017/2018, following consultation with the community.

The tender price received for the project came in significantly over the available budget and several design elements were removed to allow the project to be delivered within the original budget.

The additional $1m will allow design elements to be reintroduced to reflect both the original concept shared with the community during consultation, and the recommendations outlined in a peer review by the New Zealand Parks Agencies Managers Group.

The funding would also be used for a final round of community engagement which will commence in July.