Dozens of jobs at new complex

A new BP service station, mini-golf, pizza restaurant and a bistro have been announced for a major new complex on Te Ngae Rd, with dozens of new jobs set to be created.

The announcements for Motion Entertainment and the adjoining phase two development of Lynmore Junction are expected to create new jobs over the coming months before Motion Entertainment opens later this year.

BP is expected to create about 20 jobs, with 10-15 at the Revived Bistro, a further 8-10 at Chipmunks and four or five at the new mini golf.

Ryan Holmes, managing director of Holmes Group which is carrying out the development, said Motion Entertainment was now fully leased and expected to open in "late spring".

The latest additions to the development include Lumberjax Mini Golf which features a Disneyland-themed design, the 140-seat Revived Bistro and Escape Masters - an attraction where you are locked in a themed room and try to break out.

Motion Entertainment is expected to be the first venue of its kind to include a dedicated conference centre and New Zealand's largest all-weather entertainment centre.

Construction on stage two of the development - Lynmore Junction - is expected to start in about eight weeks.

BP will build a full BP Connect featuring Wild Bean, while leases have also been signed with Flex Fitness Gym and Giovanni's Restaurant and Pizzeria.

Five leases were also under negotiation, Mr Holmes said.

Work the 3401sq m BP service station and store, car parking, a car wash and a Wild Bean Cafe is expected to start shortly.

BP spokeswoman Shelley Brady said the new BP Connect was likely to employ about 20 people.

"We are pretty excited to be able to offer that to the area. It's an area growing rapidly and we want to be able to give them our full offer."

Chipmunks Rotorua franchise owner Rachel Ellwood said they expected to start the recruitment process in October.

Mrs Ellwood said they expected to hire eight to 10 people intially, but staff numbers might increase.

She said there would be part time and weekend jobs ideal for students.

Revived Bistro was expected to employ between 10 and 15 staff in a mix of part and full time roles.

Meanwhile Lumberjax owner Alan Alstrop said they would look at employing four to five staff.

The Auckland-based man said he had been looking for opportunities to develop a mini golf complex in Auckland, but jumped at the Rotorua site when he heard about it.

Mr Holmes said the second stage of the development was expected to be completed by March.

Work has also started on installing traffic lights at the Iles Rd and Te Ngae Rd intersection ahead of the development opening.

The development has been about four years in the planning. The 6290sq m complex, plus a string of high-quality convenience retail outlets, is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

Confirmed tenants of Motion Entertainment and Lynmore Junction include:

Dialled Indoor Tramp Park
Strike Zone Family Entertainment Centre
Megazone Laser Tag - New Zealand
Chipmunks New Zealand - Playland & Cafe
Timezone New Zealand
Dark Ride
Lumberjax Mini Golf
Escape Masters
Revived Bistro
Giovanni's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Flex Fitness Gym