More than 800 tauira will be learning at a new site in Tauranga by the end of the year.

The $3.6 million development project by CBC Construction is taking shape at 17th Avenue Business Park opposite the Historic Village and is due to be completed by November.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa facilities manager Bruce Nunns said the new site was an important step forward for the wānanga in Tauranga.

"It represents a significant investment in our tertiary facilities and a long-term education commitment to the people of Tauranga."

The new 2000-square metre building will have staff facilities, five teaching rooms, computer suites, a library, workshop, gym, cafe and a room for raranga, traditional Māori weaving.