Government funding for a one-stop Rotorua child health centre, separate from hospital services and incorporating paediatrics, child development, public health, child protection, mental health, oral health and parenting services was announced last August.
It will allow for different health professionals to be available on site, instead of children and their family members having to go to separate appointments at different locations. The councils' Strategy and Partnerships group manager Jean-Paul Gaston said the concept would contribute to goals included in Rotorua's shared 2030 Vision.
"There is a need to do things differently now, to collaborate and form innovative partnerships to meet the needs of the community," Mr Gaston said.
The Haupapa St location is considered easily accessible, being in the central city and with ample parking and bus stops in the vicinity. Support for the concept is also being sought from other government agencies and local entities.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay said the option of where to locate the multi-million dollar child health facility was left to the district health board following the funding announcement last year, but he was in favour of a CBD location.
Mr McClay said he was looking forward to a decision being made on the location "so we can deliver this".
The Long-term Plan will go out for public consultation this week and will be finalised by the end of June. The public can provide feedback on the proposed project through this consultation process before a final decision is made.
INNER-CITY HUB
Project goals
* Establish a one-stop centre for child services
* Convenient, centrally located services accessible to all
Project features
* Refit of existing library building to create a shared facility
* A children's playground area
* Redevelopment of Jean Batten Square