Work along the Whakatāne Riverfront will move into its next stage next week, as Whakatāne District Council begin removal of the building at 2 The Strand as part of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Project Future Proof to upgrade flood defences in the area.
The building has been home to local businesses Gibbo’s on the Wharf and The Iceman, which many in the community will recognise as long standing fixtures of the riverfront.
Whakatāne District Council acknowledges the long presence of these well known businesses and the role they have played in the waterfront area.
The removal of the building by the Council is part of the wider project to realign the floodwall in front of the site as Regional Council continue their work to upgrade flood defences. This work is an important step in ensuring the riverfront continues to function well into the future, including improving access, connections and open space for the community.
Further enhancements will follow at a later stage, in line with the baseline design approved by Whakatāne District councillors on 16 April 2026.
Work is expected to begin from 6 May 2026, and people in the area may notice increased activity, including machinery and some temporary disruption while work is underway.
The removal reflects earlier decisions by the Council associated with flood protection works and the future use of the site. The building has been operating under a short-term lease for some time, with tenants given advance notice of the lease ending in August 2025.
