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The impending demolition of the City Focus structures will not only give the inner city a new look but has sparked calls for a name change.
Councillors at Rotorua Lakes Council's Strategy, Policy and Finance committee yesterday voted to next month begin demolition of the building in City Focus, between Tutanekai and Hinemoa Sts, and removal of the pillars and sails that had been a feature of the site since its construction in 1994.
Councillors heard submissions from Rotorua retailers Mike Steiner and Hilda Dufty on behalf of the inner city block champions.
They argued it was critical to improve clear sight lines north to Eat Streat and the lake, south to Rotorua Central and east to the Polynesian Spa.
Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick described the current City Focus as a "knot in the middle of Tutanekai St".
"We need to undo the knot and open up the street. I have become more and more convinced after hearing different views that we are not going to get a dynamic, interactive space without the removal of the pillars and sails.
"We are putting our money where our mouth is and I am not worried about this at all."
Deputy mayor Dave Donaldson admitted he "hated" the term City Focus and put it to the steering group to come up with a new name.
"My challenge to the steering committee, because I hate the term City Focus, is could we come up with a different name which perhaps relates to the area's cultural significance as the joining of Hinemoa at Tutanekai. Whatever is decided, I would love to see the end of the term City Focus."
Councillor Rob Kent was the most outspoken against the demolition and removal of the concrete pillars and sails.
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"The public has given us a very clear standing. They have told us they wanted to see an upgrade and for the space to be modernised, they didn't say they wanted to see City Focus completely demolished.
"When I look at the whole scenario I have some major concerns. In these designs I am seeing four-way traffic crossing in a relatively small area and pedestrians, and a proposed cycleway all going through the same area. Now you are thinking you're going to have performances there too? Well, come back to reality councillors. This isn't going to be a performing space, this is going to be an absolute traffic nightmare."
Following the announcement of City Focus' future, the Rotorua Daily Post spoke to local retailers about their thoughts on the area's impending revamp.
Pumpkin Patch employee Rosie Butcher was torn.
"I love the shade sail and the happenings that go on there, but as a retailer I'm all for opening up the street so the traffic flows and there will be more parking."
The Clothing Clinic's Mel Akurangi will miss the sails.
"I'd love the sails to stay. It gives shelter between the streets. We still need an i-SITE in the middle of town, the council buildings are too far away for an i-SITE."
Starbucks manager Cathi Lawrence was happy with the news.
"I'm all for it. Every town that has closed their main road has suffered. We need to keep our main street open."
She was not the only happy one as Stevens' employee Machelle Burgering felt hopeful this would bring in more revenue.
"We like it, we think it's really good. It needs upgrading. Hopefully it will track more people down this end for us."
The public had differing views, Kim Dodd, 24, said, "It doesn't bother me either way".
Whereas Andrew Challans, 49, said it was a shame.
"I think it's quite iconic. It will be sad to see it go."