Rotorua's new look | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

A long-term vision that will eventually see a new-look central city has been unveiled by Rotorua's council.

Possible features of the new-look Rotorua include moving QE Health further east along the Lakefront to make room for a possible five-star hotel complex; a wharf for Lake Rotorua with a square at the end of Tutanekai St; an all-purpose bus park for inter-city, tourist and urban transportation; and more pedestrian-friendly streets.

The council has already budgeted $48 million for the entire project in its 10-year plan and is asking the public for feedback on its latest project.

The project, called the Urban Design Framework, was this week released to the Daily Post. It outlines the council's plans for revitalising Rotorua's central business district and the Lakefront and provides an overall concept and direction for new and existing developments.

Rotorua District Council chief executive Peter Guerin said the framework tied together various projects, including Eat Streat, the Lakefront Concept Plan and the Night Market.

"City centre revitalisation was identified as one of the top priority actions following extensive community consultation.

"The Urban Design Framework will continue to bring positive change and sets the scene for shaping the future of the city centre. A good design for our city centre will encourage economic growth, create a safe environment and attract investment."

Mr Guerin said the framework was a long-term, large-scale project, but work could start on certain areas - such as the Lakefront - within the next three years.

Council planning services manager Tracey May said council officers were looking forward to hearing what the Rotorua community had to say about the framework.

"We have already spoken to QE Health and landowners Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust; they have said they are open to the ideas in the framework."

She said Tutanekai St would remain "the spine" of the inner city, and the plan was for all commercial businesses to be within the central business district, bounded to the south of the inner city by Victoria St.

"I think investors, developers and property owners will enjoy this as it gives direction to the city ... There are a lot of unoccupied buildings in the central business district that must be used," Ms May said.

QE Health chairman of directors Paul Sampson said better use of the land around the hospital site was an option.

"At the moment we have a very large site - greater than our needs. We don't need such a large complex.

"Maybe there's a better use for the land that can accommodate everybody ... as long as the ambience remains for outpatients," Mr Sampson said.

Ms May said the council would hold public meetings and an open day in the near future to discuss the framework with the general public and key interest groups.

The Rotorua District Council's Urban Design Framework information pack is available online at www.rdc.govt.nz, from the City Focus, The Rotorua District Library or from the Civic Centre. Feedback on the framework is being taken until September 17.