All-weather venue step closer

What Motion Entertainment is expected to look like. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Construction of a major all-weather entertainment centre and shopping development in Lynmore is just weeks away.

The entertainment centre, which will be known as Motion Entertainment, is expected to be the largest all-weather venue of its kind in New Zealand.

The 6290sq m complex, plus a string of high-quality convenience retail outlets, is expected to attract more than 200,000 visitors each year.

Holmes Group managing director Ryan Holmes said it had been designed to be "the ultimate social hub with something for everyone".

"It will truly become a new landmark in Rotorua - one that will draw visitors from across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Auckland and beyond."

A number of high-profile tenants are confirmed, including Strike Zone ten pin bowling, Megazone Laser Tag, TimeZone Coin Cascade, Chipmunks Playland & Cafe, 12D cinema and Dialled Indoor Tramp Park which will feature a "ninja warrior" obstacle course.

The indoor entertainment attractions will be complemented by a dedicated conference facility, party rooms and licensed cafe. Over 250 car park spaces will be provided.

The site where Motion Entertainment will be built, scheduled to be open for business by late September next year. Photo / Ben Fraser

Mr Holmes said demolition of the existing buildings on the site at Lynmore Junction, opposite Lynmore School on Te Ngae Rd, had finished and building consent had been lodged for the new development.

Preliminary establishment works would take place before Christmas with physical construction to start in early January. Mr Holmes said construction of Motion Entertainment was expected to be completed by July next year, and open for business in late September.

"Motion Entertainment will have an outstanding range of interactive activities all under one roof and will fill a gap in the market for an all-weather facility catering for all age groups," Mr Holmes said. "We're excited to see construction get under way."

Traffic lights, controlling the Te Ngae and Iles Roads' intersection, along with pedestrian crossings, would be installed in April or May next year.

"Motion Entertainment will have an outstanding range of interactive activities all under one roof and will fill a gap in the market for an all-weather facility catering for all age groups," Mr Holmes said.

"We're excited to see construction get under way."

He said leasing for the wider Lynmore Junction development was progressing well and they were going through the contract process with several tenancies at the moment.

He said most of the entertainment centre was tenanted and the site was expected to be fully leased by the end of April.

Holmes Group has given an undertaking to Lynmore Primary School that no stand-alone liquor outlets or pokie machines will be included on site.

The complex was proposed in 2012.