Final stage of former City Focus development scheduled to start

Work on the third and final stage of the City Focus redevelopment is due to start on Monday.

The project was approved following feedback from inner city stakeholders and the community with the majority of people seeking change, according to a Rotorua Lakes Council media release.

Based on key themes from feedback received, the design was aimed at improving vehicular movement through the intersection, clearing sight lines in all directions, and ensuring a focus on people, enabling better use of the space.

The project comes under council's district development portfolio, led by councillor Karen Hunt, who said she was excited completion of the project was now near.

"This will see the opening up of shared space in the inner city including slow-moving vehicles and will dramatically open up use of this area and create opportunities for residents and businesses alike.

"I'm thrilled we're about to start the final stage and I thank the public for their patience, their feedback and their ongoing interest in helping to create a vibrant new heart of the city," she said.

Preparation for the final stage, which will involve the remaining construction works such as roading changes, landscaping, and seating, is set to start Monday, weather permitting.

Work is about to begin on the final stage of development of Manawa – Heart of the City, marking the completion of a...

Posted by Rotorua Lakes Council on Wednesday, 10 May 2017

Fletcher Construction has agreed to a fixed price of $1.135 million for the third stage. Work to date has cost a total of $231,000 and the project will be completed within the budget agreed in the long-term plan, the council said.

City Focus site as it looks at present. Photo/File

Next week contractors will move onto the site to prepare for the work ahead with fencing installed and materials brought in. The final stage of work at the site is expected to be finished by early August.

Noise and disruption will be kept to a minimum.

All details about the project, including background, decisions made and timelines can be found here.