First major Rotorua 2030 strategy sets bold goals for revitalising inner city

Rotorua’s newly released Inner City Revitalisation Strategy is the first in a series of seven major strategies providing a framework for achieving the district’s Rotorua 2030 goals.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick said the Inner City Revitalisation strategy brings together a range of work undertaken to date, along with plans currently underway and action signalled for the future.

“In revitalising our inner city we’re being as inclusive as possible as our decisions will impact on everyone who lives and works in this community – now and in the future.”

Inner City Focus Group chair and retailer Mike Steiner said he was pleased that development of the new strategy had involved strong collaboration with retailers and other business operators.

“Collectively we can take this city to any level we desire. People can and do make a difference so we’ve identified five key areas of focus all which are essential for ensuring the city’s ongoing viability and success.”

The key focus areas are, a more compact ‘footprint’ with strong infrastructure; a strengthened central ‘spine’ along Tutanekai Street; an environment that reflects Rotorua’s creativity; attracting more business and investment; and building strong community partnerships.

The revitalisation strategy also includes five broad objectives - fewer empty stores, more people on the streets, increased confidence among retailers, more diversified inner city use, and improved perceptions of the central city area as an exciting and safe place to live, work and visit

A key section of the strategy is a detailed draft action plan setting out 32 specific actions for the inner city, each of which is given a position on a low-to-high priority scale.

Rotorua District Council Inner City Revitalisation Portfolio lead, Councillor Karen Hunt, said the council was now looking for public feedback on the priority currently accorded to each action.

“We want to see if the community thinks we’ve got it about right and if they share the order of priority being proposed.

“This strategy will effectively become a blueprint for bringing our inner city back to life so the area becomes the vibrant beating heart of Rotorua. This is one of the key goals of the Rotorua 2030 programme developed in partnership with local stakeholders.”

“Once the priorities of the action plan are finalised, projects will be incorporated into our 2014-2024 Long-term Plan,” said Ms Hunt.

The Inner City Revitalisation Strategy discussion document is available for viewing online at the council website rdc.govt.nz or in hard copy at the Ideas Store in Tutanekai Street (across from Whitcoulls).

Feedback can be given at the Ideas Store, on online under the Ideas Bank section at rdc.govt.nz.

The council is seeking feedback on the strategy’s action plan before 9 January 2015.

ENDS

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