Rotorua Airport’s long-time vision of building a business park is another step closer to reality with the lodging of a resource consent application to begin Stage 1A of the development.
The application, lodged with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, relates to earthworks required to prepare the site for future development.
The proposed work is designed to connect the earmarked site with existing aeronautical assets, provide essential airside infrastructure, ensure climate resilience for existing and new infrastructure, and provide site services.
Rotorua Airport Chief Executive, Nicole Brewer, says the resource consent represents the first step of a multi-phased project that has been more than 20 years in the making.
"Developing a functional, fit-for-purpose airport business park has been a long-term aspiration, and we're excited to take this important step forward.
"We have always viewed Rotorua Airport as ‘more than a transport hub’. By connecting people, places and possibilities, we are doing our bit to help our community thrive.”
Rotorua Airport's existing general aviation precinct has reached capacity, making additional development-ready land increasingly important to support future growth.
Stage 1A has been identified as the lowest risk and most cost-effective way to unlock development-ready land. It will provide the foundation for subsequent business park stages as demand grows.
The airport business park is intended to support aviation and airport-related businesses, while contributing to wider economic and community outcomes for Rotorua.
"Alongside providing high-quality commercial space, the business park will create new jobs and encourage local entrepreneurship,” Ms Brewer says. “It’s an investment in our region's future.”
Rotorua Airport created the blueprint for the business park in collaboration with Ngāti Uenukukōpako, Rotorua Lakes Council, and RotoruaNZ, with a shared focus on growing aviation activity, supporting economic development, and delivering public value.
"We aim to create a distinctly Rotorua development that our community can be proud of, including welcoming public spaces that celebrate local iwi history," Ms Brewer says.
"We're thankful for the ongoing collaboration and input from Ngāti Uenukukōpako, who have been actively involved in the strategic planning for the business park, and are an advocate for positive community outcomes.
“Through stronger partnerships, increased connectivity and responsible development, we are proudly creating opportunities for our region today and in the future."
