12 July 2021
Media: Local Democracy Reporter
Topic: Opening of lakefront redevelopment boardwalk and terracing
Enquiry
I was wondering if the council could please tell me, for a story filing today:
How many people (even if just a rough figure) visited the new lakefront on the weekend? And/or how many were expected?
Can the council also explain why the lakefront is closed overnight? Will that always be the case?
Is there any further work left to do on that part of the lakefront redevelopment - eg more planting, lights?
Did the council receive any feedback on the lakefront from people who visited on the weekend?
And perhaps how many people have entered the photo comp so far?
Subsequently from reporter:
I've spoken to some people on the lakefront and some of the comments are a bit critical so I'd like to give the council an opportunity to reply to them for the article.
If you can let me know if the council intends to respond as soon as possible to these that would be very appreciated. Then, if that is the intention, the deadline will be 3pm.
Thanks very much
COMMENTS:
One person, who wanted to remain anonymous, said as a ratepayer she thought the lakefront was "a waste of money".
She said she was also concerned about the safety of the board walk and believed it should have railings.
"What if a kid bolts off into the water?
"It was nice to walk down the lakefront before [the redevelopment]."
Response
From Council's Sport, Recreation and Environment Manager, Rob Pitkethley in response to initial enquiry:
We don’t currently have counters at the lakefront but word-of-mouth and online feedback suggests the area is being very well used and enjoyed.
Regarding the overnight closure of the boardwalk area - this was explained in the media release sent out last week:
Lakefront visitors can now access the new lake edge via three entry points located at; the lake end of Memorial Plaza, next to the lakefront operators, and at the Motutara Point end of the reserve, during the hours of 7.30am and 5pm. Disruption to international shipping by the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed installation of lighting but the lights are expected to be in place later this month, allowing the newly developed area to be open 24/7.
Regarding further work in this area – the rest of the lighting needs to be installed, as explained above. There will also be some additional planting and the lawn areas have been hydro-seeded and are temporarily covered with the straw to help the seed take. Once the grass comes up the straw will be removed.
We’ve received a handful of entries for the competition so far and information about how to enter and about the prizes up for grabs is available HERE.
In response to the subsequent, supplied comments:
Safety is a priority to Council and the boardwalk and other areas of the development have been designed with that in mind. The boardwalk design met all health and safety requirements and building consent was granted on that basis. When spending time around any body of water, everyone needs to be mindful of the risks water can pose and take precautions to keep themselves and those around them safe while enjoying these spaces.
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Media: NZME (Rotorua Daily Post and BOP Times)
Topic: Commercial building consents issued in June
Enquiry
Can I please get the top 5 biggest commercial consents in terms of value as well as what project they were for and the cost/value of each consent.
Reporter also sought consenting documentation for highest value consent.
Response
The following information was provided:
Top 5:
30 Fairy Springs Rd – commercial addition - $1.5m
196 Malfroy Rd – alterations and strengthening - $250,000
24 Porikapa Rd – internal alterations - $208,000
1203 Tutanekai St – earthquake strengthening - $100,000
1205 Amohia St – office space alterations - $95,000
Total value of all commercial consents issued during June 2021: $21,266,562
*Copy of consent for 30 Fairy Springs Rd was provided to reporter