14 March 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Westbrook rugby fields and netball courts
Inquiry
We've just had a call from someone who said there's a fair bit of work going on at these grounds and has been for a month! (oops, must drive past there one day).
The man said it looked like they were digging up part of the rugby ground and had pulled down the posts.
Do you guys know what's going on?
Further questions
Thanks. Can you please advise asap how much this will be costing the council?
Response
Rotorua Daily Post was provided with the media release regarding the netball court
http://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-council/news/Pages/default.aspx?newsItem=7480
As to your question about how much this will be costing the council, here is some background for your story:
Funding for Phase 1, which will cost $489,000, was included in the 2015-25 Long-term Plan. Costs for the second phase are yet to be confirmed and will be dependent on the level of external funding which can be found.
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Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: iSite cafe
Inquiry
I'm working on a story for tomorrow's paper about concerns regarding the council decision to allow a cafe into the iSite.
- Who made the decision to put a cafe into the iSite?
- Has a preferred supplied been selected?
- When is it expected to start operations?
- Did the council ever consider not having a cafe in the iSite? Why/why not?
- A cafe owner has spoken to us concerned about the council's decision to go ahead with this - saying it will prevent people from heading into town and negatively impact businesses. What is your response to this?
- It has also been claimed it is short sighted by the council and doesn't show support of existing business in town - what is your response to this?
- Will the council make money out of the cafe?
Response
Please see below response from iSite and Visitor Centre general manager Graham Brownrigg:
A caf has historically operated out of the Rotorua iSite and visitor centre, but after a seismic assessment in 2014 identified that half the building required seismic strengthening the previous caf tenant was required to cease trading. The intention has always been to re-open a caf once the remedial work has been completed.
As a major transport hub and gateway for our city, we believe that provision of food and beverages on site will enhance the experience for visitors arriving and waiting in transit. While at this stage a preferred supplier has not been selected, we have had interest from a number of local entrepreneurs and business owners. The expression of interest for this lease closes Monday and the caf is expected to open late October.
