$5m CBD build to create 50 jobs

A digital representation of the new building. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua is set for a $5 million property development in the central business district that will create more than 50 jobs.

Local company R&B Consultants is to construct a new, purpose-built site leased by the Department of Corrections that will replace the existing site at 1232 Haupapa St.

R&B Consultants director Ray Cook said the development would provide over 50 local jobs as his company would try to use local contractors when possible.

Corrections staff currently at the existing site will temporarily move to two other sites, 14 Geddes Rd and the Spence's building opposite the new Rotorua police station on Fenton St, while construction is under way.

The Spence's building had most recently been occupied by Rotorua police during the construction of the new $14 million station.

Mr Cook said demolition work at the Haupapa St site would begin in the middle of next month to make way for the new two-level building.

The total land area of the site is 1550sq m, while the two-level building will have a total floor area of 1500sq m, including a carpark for 18 on-site vehicles.

Mr Cook said the site was expected to take about 12 months to develop.

The Spences site on Fenton St.

The Department of Corrections will lease the building once it is completed.

He said he was pleased the new development had been secured for the Rotorua central business district, as it could easily have been "lost" to the outlying industrial areas of Rotorua.

"This is a significant development for Rotorua and its CBD, which will help contribute to the revitalisation and growing vibrancy of the inner city area," Mr Cook said.