City footpath trading charges scrapped

FILE

It's hoped Rotorua businesses will take advantage of scrapped footpath trading charges to help create a sense of "vibrancy" in the CBD.

Shops and restaurants in the inner city - apart from those on Eat Streat - should soon be free from the prospect of annual charges of up to $560 per square metre for outside trading space, after a council committee this week recommended to abolish the fees. But the decision won't be a windfall for businesses already trading on footpaths.

Rotorua Lakes Council approved the fees in October 2011, but chose not to begin collecting them until after construction had finished on Eat Streat.

The committee's decision this week signals a desire to recreate the success of the Eat Streat precinct in other inner-city areas.

"[Businesses] have told the council that the inner city could attract more vitality and vibrancy if footpaths were used more for the likes of sidewalk dining, displaying garment racks and setting up sales tables," said Jean-Paul Gaston, the council's Strategy & Partnerships group manager.

"The council listened."

But it remains uncertain how much of an effect scrapping a fee that has never been charged will have on levels of footpath trading.

On Tutanekai St yesterday, several shop owners without outside stalls seemed underwhelmed by the prospect of free footpath trading, while most restaurants already appeared to have al-fresco seating.

Under the amendment to scrap fees, existing restrictions on the space given over to footpath trading would still apply; including a 2m walkway for pedestrians and $1million liability insurance.

Several councillors at the committee meeting this week were enthusiastic about the potential for more footpath trading in the CBD.

Glenys Searancke was adamant outside seating was "not obstructive", and sung the praises of al-fresco dining.

"It's very pleasant to sit outside in the sun."

Mrs Searancke also believed the policy of not charging most businesses was "fair", as establishments on Eat Streat benefited from their location.

The amended Footpath Trading Zone Policy will be voted on at a full council meeting on July 22.