New stages of work to begin at the lakefront
The next stage of work to get underway is outlined in red. The purple line shows where the new construction fence line will be.
Local company Campbell Infrastructure will be completing this work. They are currently constructing the new playground and will extend their construction fences to encompass this next stage. Once this work gets underway, the existing playground will remain open but parking directly in front the playground will no longer be possible. Visitors to the reserve will need to park in the new Memorial Plaza carpark or in the temporary car park near the Lakefront Operators at the western end of the lakefront.
Pedestrians will be able to access the playground from both carparks, however the shortest route will be from Memorial Plaza. Access from Memorial Plaza to the lake edge and boardwalk (once complete) will be via a temporary pathway. This next stage of construction will be underway until December 2021.
Parking
As previously indicated, from the end of June, Memorial Plaza will become a time limited carpark to ensure availability of parking spaces for lakefront visitors. The majority of the parks will be free P120 parks, with some P15 parks located near the toilet block for convenience.
Next stages
All work currently underway, including a brand new toilet block within the vicinity of the new playground, will be complete by the end of the year.
Work on the western end of the lakefront, including space for commercial activities, is in the detailed design phase. Procurement for architectural services for the whare waka and potential commercial space is complete and local company DCA Architects will be carrying out this work.
Background information on Lakefront Redevelopment
In 2018, a $19.9 million Government investment managed by the Provincial Development Unit (PDU) was announced for the project. This is being used alongside $20.1 million of Council funding to transform this recreational, economic and cultural resource. In July 2020, an additional $1 million investment managed by the PDU was announced to progress work on the cultural design foundation for the lakefront project. The cultural foundation will consist of artwork, interpretation and design, with local artists creating carved pou, and information panels that will tell the pakiwaitara (stories) of mana whenua. 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.
