A grant from the Government's Tourism Infrastructure Fund has accelerated a start to improvements to a popular Rotorua lake.

Housing some of the most upmarket homes in the district, residents of Lake Okareka have been pushing the Rotorua Lakes Council for funds to improve the lake area.

Following a submission by the council and the Lake Okareka Community Association (LOCA), the Government has allocated $454,00, allowing work to start earlier than planned.

Consequently, old public facilities at Boyes Beach and Acacia Bay Reserve will be improved or replaced.

New toilets at Boyes Beach and a new boat ramp and refurbished toilets at Acacia Bay will start in the New Year.

The council had earmarked $2million for the lake, set out in the 2018-2028 Long-term Plan to enhance lakes' infrastructure.

The partnership is part of a push by the council to gain funds to upgrade popular tourism/residential areas.

LOCA chair Martyn Norrie says the organisation's purpose was to enhance the experience of those living at or visiting the 'superb location”.

The plans for the upgrade were worked through with LOCA and other key organisations using the area. Norrie says the new facilities would be convenient for many users.

New ablution block at Boyes Beach would be sited centrally in the reserve, close to day visitors, campers and where the waka ama clubs train, he said.

Improvements would also ease congestion.

A tender process will begin early in 2019, after which a construction date and timeline will be finalised. During upgrades the council plans keep open the existing facilities, if possible, to minimise disruption for users.

Minor remedial work had also been carried out on the boat ramps to keep them in working order until the full upgrade.

The work is likely to take two or three months, but that will be dependent on weather and other factors.