New development for Lake Rd

Ray Cook

A new development on Lake Rd is being hailed as an example of the growth opportunities expected under the proposed District Plan - with work expected to get under way on the project immediately.

R&B Consultants director Ray Cook said work would start on the site immediately after they received building consent for the redevelopment of 106 to 108 Lake Rd - adjacent to the shopping centre. The redevelopment also includes a back Geddes Rd site.

Mr Cook said Big Save Furniture would take over the site on completion, which was expected to be ready towards the end of February.

PATH SET FOR MAJOR ROTORUA CHANGES

The site was previously a set of flats as well as a professional consultancy firm.

Mr Cook said the development was a good example of what was possible under the Rotorua District Council's new District Plan rules.

About 20 people are expected to be employed during the construction phase.

Big Save Furniture managing director Tom McKimm said the new development would see the floor size almost double and mean at least two new jobs.

Mr McKimm said the need for a bigger location came after good growth in business in Rotorua over the last three to four years.

He said they looked at expanding the current Fairy Springs Rd site, but were excited about the move closer to town. Mr McKimm said Fairy Springs Rd had become quite a commercial zone and the Lake Rd site offered better opportunities with store front exposure.

"We've spent the last three years looking at sites."

Mr McKimm said the bigger floor area of the new store would mean a better shopping experience with the company able to set up better displays and increase its product range.

"It will be a much better environment and look a lot more professional."