22 July 2013

'Eat Streat' all-weather development works commencing in Rotorua

Construction work is about to get underway to complete the final phase for developing Rotorua’s popular dining precinct, Eat Streat, into an iconic all-weather zone.

The alfresco dining area strip has been designed to complement both Tutanekai Street and Rotorua Lakefront, as part of the city’s CBD revitalisation project.

The Rotorua District Council (RDC) project will include an all-weather covered central walkway, with retractable roofing over dining areas on both sides of Eat Streat.

A unique feature is geothermal heating underlay which, along with enhanced lighting, will enable the area to remain warm and inviting even during cold or wet winter days.

Eat Streat business owner John Knight of Triple 1 Five restaurant said he had been in the area for 14 years and was really looking forward to its redevelopment.

“I’ve always believed that a vibrant and iconic eating and entertainment area is essential for the well-being of any city. This project will benefit the whole of Rotorua, now and long-term into the future."

RDC inner city enterprises manager Nick Dallimore said the objective is to create a special Rotorua destination within Tutanekai Street that attracts people and provides a welcoming sense of arrival all year round.

“Throughout this project we’ve focused on value for money and finding ways to keep project costs to a minimum, but without compromising the integrity of the ultimate design. We’ve had support from Rotorua forestry and wood processing businesses including Verda, Red Stag and McAlpines, and other companies like Firth, Unison, Phillips, Hunterbond Laminates, APR Architects and PSP. Their partnership in the project has meant significant cost savings.

“The design incorporates a ‘Wood First’ concept, creating a central timber structure as a focal point, and helping to showcase the Rotorua story of forestry and wood processing, to reflect the district’s number one industry.

“Rotorua natural geothermal energy will heat the alfresco dining areas all-year-round, when required. This is not only a cost effective and innovative development but it’s also a showcase model for the use of the geothermal resource in our district. Businesses will be able to fit retractable roofing over their dining spaces to provide all weather shelter when needed.

“The street surface between existing paving stones on either side of Eat Streat will feature a patterned concrete design with a central wooden pedestrian boardwalk providing design linkage to the nearby Lakefront.”

Site preparation on the $2 million development begins on 5 August, and will include removing street fixtures, establishing a site office, removal of planter boxes, surplus restaurant furniture and road fixtures, and installing project signage.

Works are expected to be completed in December with Eat Street businesses continuing to operate throughout the construction phase.

ENDS

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