Editorial: Change in city excites

Eat Streat is now a multi-coloured, heated, buzzing locals' hub we proudly show off to out-of-town visitors.

It's exciting to see some of the changes happening around our CBD lately.

There's no doubt the inner city looks noticeably different from when I moved here three years ago.

Back then, Eat Streat was just a road closed off to pedestrians, with a few tables and chairs outside. Now, it's a multi-coloured, heated, buzzing locals' hub we proudly show off to out-of-town visitors.

In 2013 we first reported on lofty plans by the then newly formed Inner City Focus Group to revitalise a city in dire need of a spruce-up. That November more than 130 CBD retailers and stakeholders met to come up with a wish list.

Group founder Mike Steiner called for change, saying there had been a 10-year "talk-fest" and action was needed. The group, with the Rotorua Lakes Council and many in the community, have followed through on that and we are seeing the results.

The Tutanekai/Pukuatua and Tutanekai/Eruera intersections look great, with sculptures and lovely gardens. The Jake seats are a touch of class. Blank walls have been transformed into murals. Attractive signs show tourists not only where to go, but impart the city's special history.

We are getting Green Corridor-ready with gardens done, carparks removed and work well under way in Kuirau Park. It's starting to all come together.

Today, we report on the next intersection to get a makeover, and regular night market-goers will be pleased that includes additional seating for them to eat and watch the city go by.

Yes, the construction may present small inconveniences and maybe you don't agree with every single choice that's been made. But take a step back and look around. It's starting to look pretty good. Imagine how good we might look in another three years.