The strength of the CBD lies in the core structure. Rotorua Central to the south, the Lakefront precinct to the north and joining the two, the spine of Tutanekai St.
With the CBD being too large for the city we need to concentrate on this being the focus of development. I have no argument with this concept in the Urban Design Strategy. But how do we encourage strength in the spine?
City Focus to Rotorua Central is strong through the influence of Rotorua Central and free parking. The City Focus to Haupapa St block is a challenge. Eat Streat is strong (and will get stronger with the proposed added development).
Internationally, mall retail is growing and to survive remaining high street shopping needs to have a similar positive experience and environment. Those seeking 'retail therapy' are looking for something more than just a street of shops.
Over the past couple of years, the Chamber has advocated for a stronger pedestrian focus along Tutanekai St with a reduction of traffic flow down to a crawl lane.
The City Focus should be redesigned with the function of the information centre (the Westpac building would have been ideal) and the police station both relocated to side-of-street properties. The City Focus should become an island with east/west and north/south traffic capability.
Remove the large pillars blocking line of sight down Tutanekai St but retain the sails, convert the island to a coffee shop/restaurant to encourage usage at most opening hours.
Extend the same limited traffic along to Haupapa St with a similar crawl traffic lane. Introduce a further island coffee shop/restaurant at the Haupapa end of this block. Identify some incentive programme to encourage existing tourist retailers to relocate.
Install sails down Tutanekai St from Rotorua Central to Haupapa St. Allow minimal parking in these blocks but introduce two hours free parking for any in the spine and in the first section of the lateral side streets, Eruera, Hinemoa, Pukuatua and Haupapa, but with heavy penalties for parking longer than two hours.
In conjunction with this parking regime, purchase some of the properties where the required strengthening is uneconomical for the owners and establish inner-city long-term parking options for staff and businesses at a reasonable all-day rate. Equally as important, incentivise (or legislate?) for shops down the Tutanekai spine to open through until 9pm and be open when the tourists are here, including Sundays.
For the balance of the CBD, both the 2006 and 2010 plans identify the concept of precincts. This should be strongly encouraged and could include designated precincts.
The opportunity exists to develop speciality precincts: Chinatown along the stretch of Amohau St; an arts and crafts precinct with pavement artists around RAVE similar to Montemartre in Paris; a fresh produce precinct with a daily market; a bars, night clubs and casino precinct; and around the proposed QE development, a spa and health precinct.
What are your ideas? Feel free to email me at ceo@rotoruachamber.co.nz
Roger Gordon is chief executive of the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce.
