Night market extension gets go-ahead

Rotorua night market. Photo/File

The Rotorua night market has received the green light to extend after successfully establishing a thriving, weekly event in the last five years.

Members of Rotorua Lakes Council's strategy, policy and finance committee voted unanimously today for the recommended option of extending the market so families had the opportunity to stay longer and spend more.

The market started in 2010 and runs every Thursday on Tutanekai St between Haupapa and Pukuatua Sts from 5pm to 8pm in winter and to 9am in summer.

Project manager Brigitte Nelson presented the report to the committee stating an extension of the current market area would increase the vibrancy of the inner city and allow for more family-friendly spaces to eat and enjoy entertainment.

She said the market needed to have a "festival atmosphere" which was currently hindered by the lack of "comfortable areas to sit and linger".

Many of the committee members were in favour of the night market being extended, including mayor Steve Chadwick who said it was a "marvellous idea" and councillor Charles Sturt who said it was a "brilliant concept".

"The very nature of retail is changing and I think this is a natural progression," Mr Sturt said.

The market will be extended south down Tutanekai St to the block bordered by Hinemoa and Pukuatua Sts.

Councillor Karen Hunt, who leads the Inner City Portfolio, said it was a "really exciting proposal".

"I know there are shops on the other side of City Focus who are planning to stay open on the night of the market. Now we have made the decision to remove the sails and pillars, it will be very clear when the night market is on.

"This is a great, positive step, it is something unique and different and we are leaders in the country for night market provision."

The expansion is expected to be a cost neutral operational project.