The Whakatāne riverfront will undergo a spruce-up following the completion of Stages 1 and 2 of Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s Project Future Proof. This multi-stage project is upgrading flood defences along the Whakatāne CBD stretch of the river to help the area function well during severe weather events.
With the first two stages complete, and with upgrades to pedestrian access across the Wairere Stream scheduled for later this year, Whakatāne District Council is now planning works along stage 2 to reduce the visual impact of the concrete floodwall and reconnect the community with the awa.
“We know how important it is for our communities to maintain access to the river and enjoy the space for recreation. These improvements will help soften the presence of the floodwall and create a welcoming environment for everyone,” says Dr Leny Woolsey, General Manager Strategy and Growth.
The first area of focus for the enhancement works is around the Whakatāne i-SITE building, and the nearby corner of The Strand and Quay Street. Whakatāne i-SITE services continue to operate from a temporary location at 144 The Strand while Council considers longer-term options. A councillor workshop on 4 February 2026 will consider whether the service returns to its previous building or not
The Council purchased the buildings at 58, 60 and 62 The Strand and 31 and 33 Quay Street with a long-term vision for redevelopment. With the buildings showing signs of significant deterioration, the Council has decided not to re-let them once current leases expire over the next six months.
“These buildings are deteriorating and will soon become unsafe to occupy without significant repair work. Including this area in the design now, alongside the floodwall enhancements, is the most cost-effective approach to regenerating the site and makes best use of the central government co-funding supporting the riverfront improvements. If the buildings were to remain, repair costs would fall largely to ratepayers,” says Dr Woolsey.
While a final decision is yet to be made by Council, tenders for demolition works for the corner of The Strand and Quay Street are expected to go out in March 2026, with tenders for enhancement works expected to follow later in 2026.
Community feedback will be sought on design concepts for the riverfront enhancement shortly before councillors make a final decision on the area.
“We want to ensure everyone has a say in what this area looks like. We want to create a space that’s welcoming, safe and within existing budgets, and we’ll share a few different design options for the public to view and comment on,” says Dr Woolsey.
Enhancement works associated with Stage 2 are supported by $3.79 million from central government via the Provincial Growth Fund, administered by Kānoa (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment), alongside funding from Whakatāne District Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024–2034, which allocates $7.5 million for enhancement works. Future enhancement works following Stage 3, once the floodwall construction is complete, are also supported through this funding.