A derelict property in Fordlands will be set on fire as part of a controlled training exercise and will mark the start of an urban renewal project in the suburb.
The Rotorua District Council and the Fordlands community are joining forces to revitalise the neighbourhood with ideas such as an eco village and community gardens being generated by residents at a meeting at Sunset Primary School on Wednesday night.
The meeting saw about 40 members of the Fordlands Community Association, Fordlands Youth Committee and other residents joining with Rotorua district councillor Janet Wepa and council staff to discuss ideas for revitalising the neighbourhood.
"There are some really exciting ideas and as council we're doing our bit, but we want the community to take ownership," Mrs Wepa said.
"What the community wants is what we want - we're keen to build resilient communities in Rotorua and this is just the start of a discussion and partnership approach we identified in council's Rotorua 2030 vision."
Fordlands residents talked about their frustration about the dumping of rubbish on vacant properties, absent and "slum" landlords, and their desire to improve the neighbourhood.
Council said it was moving in a new direction by partnering with landlords and other groups to clear up vacant properties.
Today, a derelict house at 29 Bellingham Cres, a property which the council recently agreed to purchase and sell, will be cleared by the New Zealand Fire Training Centre.
It will provide trainee firefighters with a controlled fire experience and at the same time quickly, cheaply and safely clear the property.
Council clean-up and rubbish clearing will also be happening at numbers 1, 17, and 35 Bellingham Cres.
The Rotorua District Council has limited powers under law for dealing with derelict properties, but Fordland residents said the council's new approach and willingness to discuss future options was positive.
Fordlands resident Maraea Pomana said she liked the way the council had reached out to the community.
"It really feels like they have taken time to listen to the residents' issues - this is a good start and I'm so happy the Youth Committee were here and want to be involved," she said.
Council executive director Jean-Paul Gaston said the property was bought for $47,000 with the intention of clearing the section then re-selling it.
"However, we remain open to suggestions from the Fordlands community for alternative uses and that was canvassed with local residents at the meeting."