Hunt for the Wilderpeople star Julian Dennison (right) and his brother Christian, both 14. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Hunt for the Wilderpeople star Julian Dennison (right) and his brother Christian, both 14. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER
Thousands are expected at the grand opening of what's been dubbed New Zealand's largest entertainment centre tomorrow.
Motion Entertainment on Te Ngae Rd claims to have the biggest range of attractions under one roof.
Developer and Holmes Group managing director Ryan Holmes said it was a great addition to the attractions already available in Rotorua and he expected it to attract 200,000 domestic and international visitors a year.
"It's been a massive task. We had a big trial run on Wednesday with the contractors and family and it was a good test. We had 600 people and we can take up to 1400 in here.
"That was actually a big relief, it worked and the people were happy. It's a big day tomorrow and I'm relieved that it's finished, it's been a long time coming.
"We have brought together eight of the best attractions under one roof. There was a lot of interest ... we wanted the best operations, the best franchisers and the best product. We're thrilled to be opening the doors," he said.
Motion Entertainment. 25 November 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
Mr Holmes said Motion Entertainment had generated 50 new jobs for Rotorua.
Among the first to experience the excitement at an exclusive preview for media and invited guests today was Hunt for the Wilderpeople star Julian Dennison who had the chance to test all the attractions.
"It's amazing! I'm just having a bit of fun, mucking around," he said while in Timezone.
Julian will kick-start the grand opening tomorrow with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am.
The public will have the opportunity to meet the young star in person during the morning's activities.
Doug and Hamish Cameron, 11. Motion Entertainment. 25 November 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
Destination Rotorua communications manager Ash Palmer said the centre complemented the region's already vast visitor proposition.
"Not only will this provide another fantastic attraction for families, it's also a great wet weather option.
"This facility will not only be a hit with visitors to the region, but will be enjoyed by Rotorua's residents as well," he said.
Rotorua Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson said Motion Entertainment was a world-class entertainment facility.
"A development on this scale choosing to open in Rotorua is testament to the hard work undertaken by our visitor industry, the fantastic growth that we continue to see in our visitor statistics and a confidence that Rotorua truly Is a destination on the rise.
"It's great that this development was undertaken by local family-owned and managed investment company the Holmes Group. Rotorua's unemployment rate is already on the decline and these sort of developments help to ensure that this trend will continue," he said.
Ryan Holmes. Motion Entertainment. 25 November 2016 Daily Post photograph by Stephen Parker
Motion Entertainment is the first stage of the $13 million Lynmore Junction development.
The junction will eventually cover 2.7ha and will feature up to 15 other convenience retail stores including the BP petrol station that opened last Wednesday.
The grand opening celebration will kick off at 10am tomorrow. Motion Entertainment will then be open for business 365 days a year from 10am to midnight Friday to Saturday and 10am to 10pm Sunday through Thursday.
For more information and pricing go to www.motionentertainment.co.nz.
What's in there - Dialled Indoor Trampoline Park - Strike Zone Family Entertainment Centre - Megazone Laser Tag - Chipmunks Playland & Cafe - Timezone - XD Dark Ride - Lumberjax Mini Golf - Escape Masters - Revived Bistro
