Economic recovery fund supports QE Health build
Rotorua Lakes Council has allocated $1million from its Economic Recovery Fund (set up as part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy following the COVID-19 lockdown) to QE Health's new building at the lakefront.
Council has also provided QE Health with a short-term bridging loan for up to $2million, with commercial terms to be confirmed.
Elected members approved support for the project at last month's Full Council meeting.
Construction of QE Health’s new world-class health facility has now begun. Watts & Hughes Construction has been appointed to build the 3000sqm state-of-the-art facility adjacent to its current location.
In March this year, Rotorua Lakes Council granted consent for the $18.5m development and it’s expected that construction of the facility will create more than 30 jobs.
The Council support recognises the QE development’s benefits to the community and contribution to economic recovery and growth in the district.
“The grant provided from Council’s Economic Recovery Fund recognises the benefit this development has for the community through retention of existing jobs, creation of new jobs and on-the-job experience for students, the continued provision of health and wellbeing services to the community, and it further strengthens Rotorua’s brand as a destination spa city within the tourism market,” says Rotorua Lakes Council’s DCE – District Development, Jean-Paul Gaston.
“QE Health has a strong history and reputation within the district and we’re proud to be able to support this venture and next stage of growth,” he says.
QE Health’s Chief Executive Dr Aaron Randell says almost 80 years since it was built, the organisation now has a fresh start, while keeping hold of what makes it so special – its remarkable history, highly experienced staff and comprehensive range of services.
“QE Health takes its responsibility for the health of the people of Rotorua and Aotearoa seriously. We’re delighted to soon offer the same level of high service and care people have come to expect in modern facilities, befitting the needs of the community.”
Dr Randell says setbacks due to Covid-related supply issues and escalating building costs have delayed the project, however additional funding has now been confirmed.
Funding for the build and fit-out consists of a combination of grant and loan funding provided by Kānoa, the Government’s Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Rotorua Trust, and Rotorua Lakes Council.
Set to open to the public in mid to late 2022, the new facility will continue to offer the clinical wellness treatments that people know and love but in a more contemporary and relaxing environment.
Commercial Manager, Dennis Cresswell from Watts & Hughes Construction says they are proud to partner with the team at QE Health on the construction of their new facility.
“We are looking forward to the construction phase with Veros Project Management and continued support from our Rotorua subcontractors and suppliers,” he says.
QE Health offers an innovative interdisciplinary approach, which is unique in New Zealand. Health services include rheumatology, physiotherapy, psychology, orthotics, dietetics, occupational therapy, osteopathy, Wellness for Cancer, appearance medicine, gym services, rehabilitation therapy, and clinical spa treatments.
It also offers occupational health services, offering pre-employment health checks, drug and alcohol testing, hearing tests and annual employee health checks. The organisation plans to continue to extend its multi-disciplinary clinical services once in its new premises.
“QE Health is one of Rotorua’s true icons and we’re delighted to see construction begin,” says Rotorua Trust Manager Tony Gill.
“QE Health is one of a very few facilities across Aotearoa to offer such a wide range of services under one roof. QE Health has always had innovation at its heart and almost 80 years since its inception, that innovation remains at the centre of the organisation, benefiting all of Rotorua.”
Earlier this year initial earthworks were completed at the site to ensure the land is stable to build on.
QE Health will lease the lakefront land from Pukeroa Lakefront Holdings Limited and share the site with Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, which will offer non-clinical, luxury spa choices, while QE Health will continue to offer clinical treatments and champion Rotorua as a wellness destination.