The latest artist impression of what the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa could look like. Photo / Supplied
The latest artist impression of what the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa could look like. Photo / Supplied
The construction of a multimillion-dollar luxury spa and wellness centre on Rotorua's lakefront is a "major step" towards reestablishing the city as the "spa capital" of the Southern Hemisphere, developers say.
A building consent valued at $28m has been issued for the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa on WhakaueSt.
Pukeroa Oruawhata Group deputy chairman David Tapsell said the Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa would generate a "significant number" of new full-time and part-time jobs.
It would also help the tourism and hospitality sectors recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, he said.
The Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa is scheduled to open in the second half of next year.
Tapsell said a "steady stream" of Australian tourists was expected next year and it was hoped other international tourists would start arriving in 2023.
"Our city was founded with the vision of it being the spa capital of the Southern Hemisphere, and today's milestones are a major step in the resumption of that journey."
A multi-million spa development is to get underway on the Rotorua lakefront. Monty Morrison, Malcolm Short and David Tapsell pictured at the site in 2017. Photo / File
Chairman Malcolm Short said work on the spa project was well under way and development of Rotorua's iconic QE Health, also on the lakefront, was about to start.
Short said the two projects would provide a "significant boost" to the local economy, with more than 230 design and construction jobs generated from that site alone.
Hawkins has been awarded the lead contractor role, with "solid progress" being made.
Eleven commercial building consents valued at $35,212,200 were issued in Rotorua in August.
A consent valued at $1.5m was issued to build eight new greenhouses at Rotorua's crown research institute, Scion, on Sala St.
Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder. Photo / Supplied
Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder said the $1.5m consent was to build a new forest tree propagation nursery facility as part of Scion's nursery redevelopment.
The facility would include enclosed polyhouse areas for "growing cutting motherstock" as well as a production area and polyhouses for the germination of seed and rooting of cuttings.
"Improving the quantity and quality of forestry tree seedlings and cuttings is crucial for New Zealand in meeting our long-term carbon-neutral goals, especially if we hope to achieve these goals using our indigenous species, Elder said.
The facility would introduce new production technologies to address labour issues through mechanisation and automation of menial growing tasks.
"Among the many advantages is the ability to produce plants all year round, as opposed to bareroot crops which are highly seasonal."
He expected the project to create about 15 to 25 construction jobs.
Groundworks have already started and the facility is due to be completed in March 2022.
Rotorua Lakes Council district development deputy chief executive Jean-Paul Gaston said a growing city inevitably created more building and resource consents.
"Council's consenting team are working under pressure to get through the high number of these applications. We will continue to explore strategies to improve and streamline the building and resource consent process, to enable investment in Rotorua."
The council received 101 new building consent applications in August.
Of the 118 building consents and amendments issued in August, 93 per cent were issued in 20 working days.
The longest time to process a building consent in the month was 27 working days.
Gaston said there was a country-wide shortage of skilled building professionals, officials, and engineers, coupled with an increase in demand for consent services, and councils were struggling to keep up with demand.
Top 10 building consents by value issued in August
Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa 1073 Whakaue St, Rotorua Central $28,788,000
Two new two-storey apartments Hilda St, Fenton Park $2,000,000
New dwelling 15 Calder Rd, Okareka $1,550,000
Construct eight new greenhouses 49 Sala St, Whakarewarewa $1,500,000
Upgrade nominated wards 5 Pukeroa St, Rotorua Central $1,323,000
New dwelling 14 Carlton St, Glenholme $1,100,000
Boardwalk over water 20 Queens Dr, Rotorua Central $1,000,000
New dwelling 9/73 Ward Rd, Hamurana $800,000
New dwelling 17a Raniera Place, Springfield $700,000
Three new dwellings Units 50, 52, 54, 40 Owhatiura Drive, Lynmore $660,000
The total value of commercial consents issued in August: $35,212,200 The total value of residential consents issued in August: $13,532,771 The total number of residential consents issued in August: 91 The total number of commercial consents issued in August: 11
Source: Rotorua Lakes Council
New home for regional farm machinery dealership
A new multi-million dollar commercial development being built opposite Rotorua Airport will become the new home for a regional farm machinery dealership.
CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty is moving into the 7700sq m complex on Wahanga-a-Rangi Crescent within the Eastgate Industrial Park, which is set to be completed by June next year.
The 1500sq m main building will house a 1100sq m workshop and parts facility and 400sq m showroom and administration area.
Landpower chief executive Richard Wilson said the complex would underpin increasing demand for high-performance farm machinery and after-sales service and support.
Sketch of what the new multi-million commercial development being built opposite the Rotorua Airport could look like. Photo / Supplied
The new purpose-built complex will be designed by Jackson Architects, New Plymouth, and built and owned by R&B Property Development & Construction, Rotorua.
CLAAS Harvest Centre Bay of Plenty employs about 17 staff.
