Mount Mainstreet is an Incorporated Society, originally named The Mount Mainstreet Business and Communtiy Association.
Mainstreet the Mount was formed after a series of Council initiated community meetings in 1993. Agreement was reached between the then Tauranga District Council and Mount Mainstreet, that all businesses from Tawa Street to Pacific Avenue would be members of Mount Mainstreet. The object was (and still is) to contribute to the ongoing marketing and promotion of the area.
Our point of difference is that we are a traditional shopping centre, and not a mall. The revitalisation of the area was undertaken during 1995/96 at a cost of over $4 million. The revitalisation was named Project Phoenix, and was opened by the then Prime Minister Rt. Hon Jim Bolger on July 5th 1996.
In 2004, the Tauranga City Council provided funding for an upgrade of the garden and planter pots throughout the shopping centre. This array of colour provided by the planting of annuals enhanced the uniqueness of Downtown the Mount.
The role of Mount Mainstreet can be defined as:
- Marketing the commercial centre to visitors and local residents
- Organisation and presentation of special events
- Co-ordinating and promoting retail promotions
- Day to day operation of the shopping centre
- Promoting the individual character of Mount Mainstreet
- Building partnerships with:
- local business community
- local government
- local community
The role of Mount Mainstreet is controlled by a board elected at the Annual General Meeting eaxh year. At that meeting the finance required for the effective operation of Mount Mainstreet is determined. This amount is subsequently raised by way of a targeted rate struck by the City Council and included in the rates paid by the businesses. For the efficient implementation of the role of Mount Mainstreet , the Board employs a full time manager.
Over its first ten years, Mount Mainstreet operated from upstairs offices in Downtown the Mount. To give the group more exposure and have a more visible presence, the Mainstreet Board negotiated occupancy of the site on the boundary of the Phoenix Car Park for an office building. The building containing an office, meeting area, storerooms and toilet facilities, was opened by former Mayor Jan Beange in December 2003.
The front stage area provides the ideal spot for bands and entertainers to perform at any time of the year. It is also the home of 'Mountie' the statue created by sculptor Donald Paterson. 'Mountie' emphasises teh water sport nature of the Mount and has become an icon much photographed by visitors.
Not only has the building become a home for the Mount Mainstreet operation, it has also become a place where visitors drop in for information about 'The Mount' and the many interesting activities and events that are staged on Mount Mainstreet's doorstep! |
There's always some- thing happe- ning Downtown the Mount... 
