Intersection and bus route work under way

District councillor and Inner City Revitalisation portfolio leader, Karen Hunt

Works are getting under way this week on a new inner city intersection and bus route in Rotorua.

An intersection is being constructed to strengthen the pedestrian connection along Haupapa St and Tutanekai St.

Works will include removing existing gardens and hard structures, planting new gardens, increasing the pedestrian margin, incorporating new seating for the Rotorua Night Market, and placement of two new bike stands and a sculpture.

At the same time, work will begin on an inner city bus route aimed at providing increased efficiency for users.

The bus stands will be located on the southern side of Arawa St outside Jean Batten Square, on the eastern side of Amohia St between Haupapa St and Pukuatua St, the western side of Fenton St outside Cobb & Co, and in Rotorua Central Mall.

Together the projects form part of Rotorua Lakes Council's ongoing revitalisation effort for the inner city. Inner City Focus Group member Mike Steiner said the group was delighted.

"The response to work already completed, such as art installations, new landscaping, wall art, Jake's Seats, lighting of selected trees, and the free parking trial has certainly changed the perception and approach to our city," he said.

"We're experiencing increased foot traffic, more commercial activity and a number of new shops have opened in the last 16 months ... "

District councillor and Inner City Revitalisation portfolio leader, Karen Hunt, said the new intersections were an excellent approach to revitalising the inner city and improving safety.

Rotorua Lakes Council Transport Operations manager Peter Dine said structural changes were needed to for the new bus route, which would affect the footpath at Arawa St and Amohia St. Intersection work should be done by the beginning of July and the end of June for the bus route.