A record low of empty shops in the Rotorua CBD has been reduced over recent years.

But the Rotorua Lakes Council says it does not have data related to the number of new businesses which have proliferated in suburbia.

In light of a recent story portraying the Rotorua CBD as resembling a ghost town, Rotorua Now sought figures to justify the claims.

The council's inner-city leader, Councillor Karen Hunt, noted a register was not required on the number of businesses in the Rotorua district.

Karen Hunt.

'There certainly are more businesses and shops outside of the CBD than there used to be (Lake Road, Fairy Springs, Trade Central, Redwood centre, Lynmore Junction) but a key point the mayor made in [Mayor Steve Chadwick's] release was that while we had a slight increase in empty space in the CBD last year, it has been reducing to long time lows in recent years and this has happened despite the proliferation of stores outside of the CBD.

Movements within the CBD recently included:

■ Blind Finch eatery moving into the building formerly occupied by Che Chorizo on Fenton St.
■ Social Room (in the building formerly occupied by Lone Star which is now in the new building opposite the Novotel) opened since the Telfer Young survey was done.
■ A building on the corner of Eruera and Tutanekai Sts (down from Kathmandu) empty due to being renovated. Not sure what's going back in there though.

Generally overlooked are the suburban hubs which locally reduced the city congestion.

'It means elderly who are no longer able to drive (macular degeneration etc) and children can access services, e.g doctor, chemist, hairdresser, small supermarket, fast food, gym, fresh fish, vegetables etc.

'People walk, bike, or use a mobility scooter to shop locally which can only be a good thing especially as parking is seen as such a big issue for some.”

Cr Hunt says it's a counter argument to on one hand complain about a lack of inner-city parking and on the other complain shops are now in the suburbs and should be in the inner city.

'Natural ebb and flow are a healthy part of a city reinvigorating itself for the changing desires and spending habits of our community. Reducing our carbon footprint matters.

Rotorua Museum.

Rotorua has a large footprint and will take time to change shape, she says.

'It's hardly a ghost town, simply a city in the process of rejuvenation with the ups and downs that occur as businesses leave and enter the market place driven by economic forces pretty much out of the direct control of the council.”

The council is doing its best to make the inner city attractive and dynamic, she says.