It's the city life for Stafford brothers

Don and Jack Stafford have always loved being close to the action.

So it's no surprise the pair are living out their twilight years in Rotorua's city centre.

The Rotorua brothers live on Whakaue St in a building built by their father in the late 1950s. Older brother and World War II fighter pilot Jack, 85, lives in the upstairs unit while Don, a celebrated Rotorua historian, lives in a separate unit downstairs.

The pair agree with Rotorua's business community that the central city could benefit from more residential-style apartments.

The lakefront has been Don's front yard for nearly 40 years and he'd have it no other way.

"From here you can so easily take advantage of what Rotorua has to offer - the lakes, the Government Gardens and Ohinemutu. I can take a pleasant walk around Pukeroa Hill where I can view the basin of Rotorua. There aren't too many other cities jammed with such history that's all within walking distance."

On behalf of business owners, the Chamber of Commerce has responded to the Rotorua District Council's call for ideas on how the city should look in the future.

The council is reviewing its district plan and indicated last year it wanted to hear suggestions from residents.

The Chamber has made a five-page submission to the council. It suggests relocating the District/High Court building, establishing new industrial areas around the airport to capitalise on its development and revitalising the CBD.

That includes creating more apartments in the city centre.

By having more people live in the CBD, chamber chief executive Roger Gordon said it will become a suburb in its own right.

"We want to bring more life into the city that's outside traditional business hours."

Jack Stafford said he doesn't miss the work in maintaining a large section and loves being within walking distance to local restaurants and the RSA.

The only downside is that free parking spaces on Whakaue St are always occupied by city workers between 8am and 5pm every week day.

Raewynne and Dennis Williamson have recently moved from Lynmore into a one-bedroom unit at Whakaue St's Lake Terrace apartments.

Mrs Williamson said it was a major lifestyle change and one that had made their friends envious.

"We've noticed we have more time together as a couple now. In our old house we were running around always trying to keep our lawn and gardens tidy."

Noise was not a problem and it was great being able to walk home after enjoying a drink after work in town on Fridays, she said.

The council is expected to consult further with the public before the proposed district plan is drafted in November.