Visitors flock to new-look Eat Streat

Andy and Ann Eastcott visited Eat Streat to check out the new look. Photo/Andrew Warner

Eat Streat's new look has punters and business owners buzzing.

The $2 million project was unveiled on Friday, but it won't be fully completed until next year when the retractable awnings are in place.

This weekend it had visitors flocking to the dining centre of town, keen to see the al fresco dining areas.

Among them yesterday were Rotorua couple Andy and Ann Eastcott.

"We came down a couple of weeks ago and decided that we had to come and see it when it was opened," Mrs Eastcott said.

"We might be tempted to come down more often now it's like this. We're very impressed."

Dr Eastcott said it had a Mediterranean feel to it.

"It's just so lovely, Rotorua is definitely tourist town New Zealand because of this. It's very Mediterranean, we'll definitely be back."

The project, which has been under construction since August, will be officially opened in February or March. When it is finished it will include geothermal underfloor heating, retractable awnings, special LED lighting and a central wooden boardwalk.

Live music is tipped to be a main feature at the lake end of the street, with businesses looking to collaborate.

Scotty Toner, owner of Scotty's Bar, said business owners would meet up to discuss what they could do.

"Everyone's on the same page, we want live music," he said.

"We've already got people wanting to use the street for functions."

He said within 90 minutes of the fences being taken down on Friday there was not a spare seat to be found.

"The place was full. There's a whole different atmosphere - everyone's relaxed and loving it."

Brew Bar manager Mel Rolfe said the new space had a lot of potential.

"I think it's great, having the extra space is really good. It will be nice when it's finished but they've done a great job."