Upbeat in Rotorua over CBD activity

Mike Steiner and Karen Hunt.

Central Rotorua businesses are feeling positive because of increased confidence and investment, an Inner City Focus Group meeting has revealed.

About 30 business owners and interested parties met this week to discuss ways to increase confidence and investment in downtown Rotorua.

Inner City Focus Group spokesman Mike Steiner said, "It was excellent, lots of conclusions were drawn. But generally those that were there and other comments we get from people was, 'Gosh, this city is doing well', and, 'We are moving in a good direction'. There is increased retail and commercial activity, new businesses and buildings are opening up - it's all very positive.

"There was discussion about the city and looking at ways we can entice other businesses here to set up shop."

The group was not ready to release a statement on whether the City Focus should be removed, but Mr Steiner said it was crucial to make the right decision.

"The City Focus is on the table for serious discussion and it is one of the polarising objectives ... getting it right is the most crucial part of revitalisation."

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh agreed there was increased investment and confidence.

"Since October, early November that business confidence was going up. There was increased investment and revitalisation. We started to see less empty shops - there's activity.

"There is really good stuff going on. What ... we need is this to continue for the next six to 12 months and then Rotorua will be humming."

New buildings going up, like the Countdown in Fairy Springs Rd, were proof things were looking up in Rotorua.

"Business owners have now started to invest more in their own businesses, and started to employ more. We are seeing more jobs."