Work started yesterday on the new-look Manawa. Photo/Stephen Parker
The third and final stage of the City Focus is underway at a fixed cost of $1.135 million. This, on top of $231,000 already spent. But that's par for the course for the Rotorua Lakes Council isn't it?
The dismantling of the original iconic City Focus and construction of its
replacement was based on "key themes" from residents' feedback but as I recall that "feedback" was simply putting a white ball into a tube indicating which option you'd prefer or was least objectionable.
There was no option for retaining the status quo, so of course the feedback indicated change.
We're told that amongst the key benefits will be the "opening up of shared space", "improving vehicular movement through the intersection" and "safe pedestrian and through-vehicle routes". Scary stuff.
Pedestrians and vehicles are never a good mix - anywhere, least of all in a central point where increased use is predicted. At least cyclists won't be a concern because the green corridor isn't used.
Also, there's to be improved "sight-lines" in all directions. Obviously a very important factor in the town centre, but not an issue on a busy main highway where a 12m high, $500,000 sculpture is to situated in the middle of the new roundabout.
