23 October 2019
Lakefront development earthworks to begin next week
Lakefront development earthworks are set to get underway next week with contractors scheduled to take over the site on Tuesday 29 October.
HEB Construction Ltd will be completing the first stage of the development which involves the construction of a new boardwalk and terracing around the lake edge.
This work will begin at the eastern end of the lakefront, in front of QE and the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa development, and will gradually progress west towards the commercial operators.
Fences are scheduled to go up on Tuesday 29 October. While this stage of construction is underway access to the lake edge and Oruawhata Drive will be restricted but access through Memorial Drive and Lakefront Drive will remain open. There will be no vehicle access in front of QE and the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa development and initially there will be no pedestrian or cyclist access either. A temporary track will be created between the lakefront reserve and Motutara Point for pedestrians and cyclists and this is expected to take approximately a week to complete. This track will be open between 7am and 8pm each day and kept closed at night.
While construction is underway, it is important that people visiting the lakefront reserve adhere to signage and instructions from contractors for safety purposes.
Construction of the entire lakefront development will be completed in stages to ensure parts of the lakefront reserve are always accessible. Entertainment and activities will continue to feature at the lakefront to ensure the reserve is still an enjoyable place to be even throughout construction.
However if people would like to avoid the construction all together, Rotorua has a number of alternative parks and reserves to visit including Kuirau Park, Hannahs Bay, or Lake Tikitapu reserve.
The next stage of development will involve preparing the ground for the construction of the new playground and a new toilet block facility. Council is currently in the process of finalising the contract for this work.
In partnership with Central Government's Provincial Growth Fund, Rotorua Lakes Council is managing an investment of $40 million ($19.9m from the Provincial Growth Fund, $20.1m from Council) between now and 2021 to transform this recreational, economic and cultural resource. The lakefront design has been made possible through the support of our partners, the Gifted Reserves Committee (Pukeroa Ōruawhata Trust) and Te Arawa Lakes Trust. The design reflects the heritage and ongoing contribution of Ngāti Whakaue and Te Arawa to the Rotorua district. Together, our vision is to develop the lakefront into an outstanding recreational area that will benefit locals, support tourism, and encourage private investment, which will in turn create new jobs and benefit Rotorua's community.
Learn more about this project at rotorualakescouncil.nz/lakefrontdevelopment.
*Image: map of first stage of construction detailing fence lines and temporary walkway
