CITY LIVING

Inner-city apartments could be a reality in Rotorua in 14 months.


Planning consent has been granted for the development of the old Post Office building between Hinemoa and Pukuatua St into 75 one and two bedroom apartments with shopping and cafes on the ground level.


Developer Golden Mile Holdings Ltd had hoped to start the work last year but required additional planning consent to add a fifth storey.


That came through recently and marketing of the apartments will begin in mid-June.


Marketing will be done by LJ Hooker Rotorua and co-owner Annelise Baird described the development as a major step forward.


"This is new for Rotorua and it is very exciting."


Brochures and a scale model are being produced and 12 people are already waiting for the sales agreements to be drawn up. Only 15 sales are needed to start work on the building.


"They are hoping to be finished within 14 months."


Valuations are currently being carried out, but apartments are likely to start from about $190,000.


LJ Hooker co-owner Dave Patterson said the development would be good for the regeneration of the central business district.


"It will bring in 150 people plus who will want to eat, drink and fill the town. This is a huge opportunity for retailers and it will tie in with the airport development."


City Focus manager Dennis Olliver agrees.


"It will bring a vibrancy. It won't just be the people that live there.


"Their friends will come to visit and use the restaurants and eateries at night."


Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Roger Gordon said residents living in the CBD would help drive improvements.


"It becomes their suburb and they take ownership of that, which certainly increases the security and awareness of what is going on."


Grant Kilby, general manager of Destination Rotorua Economic Development agreed the project would drive economic activity, especially at night, and said the lifestyles of the residents would determine the need for cafes, delis or small supermarkets in the area.


LJ Hooker agents will be working from a sales office on the site and the Royal Court Apartments will be promoted at The Daily Post Home and Leisure Show at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre from July 17-19, but Mr Patterson said he expected many of the apartments will have sold by that time.


LJ Hooker residential sales agent Michael Bester described the development as "an injection into the economy of the local community".