City Focus sails come down (+ VIDEO)

Rotorua Daily Post photographer Stephen Parker took this photo of the City Focus this morning with a drone.

The overhaul of City Focus has officially begun, with the removal of its fibre glass sails.

All of the sails came down overnight.

It was decided earlier this month by the council that the sails would be removed as part of the redesign. They have been a feature of the site since its construction in 1994.

The City Focus building was also emptied in preparation for its demolition, due to take place before Christmas.

A short ceremony was held today in the building to acknowledge the end of its 20 years in the heart of the city centre.

It was led by Reverend Tom Poata who described the ceremony as a "symbolic thank you to what the building has given".

Rotorua Lakes Council Inner City Portfolio leader and councillor Karen Hunt said the council always "honours a development and recognises it spiritually".

"This is the most significant intersection in the city centre and depicts the nationally - even internationally - recognised love story of Hinemoa and Tutanekai. We want to reinvigorate this space and let the light in.

"The nature of every city changes and it is time to create a space that suits our needs."

Ms Hunt said today's ceremony was low key but she expected a large crowd for the official opening and blessing of the site next year.

The sails will be stored until a decision is made on how they can be reused.

Ms Hunt said councillors were open to suggestions from the public.

"We have taken good care of them and they can definitely be used in a different space.

Locals are more than welcome to send their suggestions to us."

The majority of the construction is scheduled for between March and July.