Rotorua Lakefront

Rotorua

Client:

Rotorua Lakes Council

Location:

Rotorua

Project Budget:

$40m

Project overview

Veros led the project management for Rotorua Lakes Council on this award-winning high-profile project for the Lakefront of the city. The Rotorua lakefront is a highly strategic location in the context of Rotorua. It is an important place for locals and tourists, and being gifted land, has strong cultural and historical ties. From an urban development perspective, this development has all the necessary ingredients to ignite significant investment in surrounding land and attract significant volumes of people to the area.

The Lakefront’s redevelopment was part of the Rotorua Lakes Council ‘Big Moves’ – key projects that will propel the district forward.

Veros led the business case investigation and interrogation of a private sector commercial development opportunity as part of the wider Rotorua Lakefront public realm works. The opportunity was within a nominated location within the lakefront, and Rotorua Lakes Council had clear objectives for the building to both achieve and contribute to. In developing the Business Case, Veros led the consultation with Council, elected officials, lakefront operators, iwi, and the private sector. The Business Case meant there was a transparent process to nominate a preferred developer of the lakefront which will meet cultural and community expectations.

At Veros, we've been committed to facilitating this positive development by delivering an iconic project that not only meets community expectations and council needs but also fulfills iwi aspirations. We're proud to see how our vision has come to life, creating a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone."

Julie Price

Senior Project Manager

Project outcomes

The extensive development, encompassing 7 hectares and segmented into 8 stages including 2 significant buildings and integrated cultural artworks, has reached its culmination. Comprehensive project management by Veros spanned from master planning and design to construction and closeout, overseeing a team of over 40 consultants, coordinating 5 main build contracts, 2 enabling works contracts, and engaging with over 20 subcontractors. This monumental effort involved more than 430 professionals over 4 ½ years, beginning construction in September 2019 and celebrating the grand opening of the Wharewaka in February 2024.

Key Milestones Achieved:

July 2021: The project’s first stage was inaugurated, marking the beginning of a new era for the lakefront. View the video here.
January 2022: Enhanced toilet facilities were introduced, improving the lakefront’s amenities.
April 2022: The unveiling of stages 2/3/4 introduced a 77-space carpark, a dynamic playground, and lush green spaces, alongside a dawn karakia commemorating the installation of ‘ngā tumu me te toka māpuna’ for reflection. More info about event here.
October 2022 & June 2023: Saw the completion of a 79-space carpark and the establishment of a bus loop with extensive landscaping, significantly enhancing accessibility and aesthetic appeal.
October 2023: The project’s excellence was recognized with the Central Property People Urban Design Award and Supreme Award, underscoring the team’s exceptional contribution to urban redevelopment. More info about awards here.
March 2024: A pre-dawn karakia celebrated the opening of the Wharewaka and the full realisation of the Rotorua Lakefront development, a testament to the project’s cultural significance and community impact.
May 2024: The lakefront redevelopment and landscape architects Isthmus were recognised in the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces category as well as receiving the overall George Malcolm Supreme Award at the Resene New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards.
June 2024: The project picked up a further two accolades, first the Taituarā Excellence Award, The Beca Award for Excellence in Placemaking, which recognises outstanding projects that revitalise public spaces and foster vibrant local economies, cultures and communities. The project was also recognised with an Excellence Award at the Property Council New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards. The Property Industry Awards is the most prestigious property awards programmes in New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design and innovation in the built environment. Award winners are considered the best of the best; projects that provide an outstanding return or delivery of service potential on investment of funds, creating value for owners, tenants and the wider community. More information here.

This journey from conception to completion showcases Veros’s ability to manage complex, multifaceted projects, delivering exceptional outcomes that enhance community spaces and celebrate cultural heritage.