The former isite building is one of the few public buildings with views over Whakatāne's stunning waterfront. Photo / Diane McCarthy
The former isite building is one of the few public buildings with views over Whakatāne's stunning waterfront. Photo / Diane McCarthy
A question mark has hung over Whakatāne District Council’s former isite building since the visitor information service was relocated in late 2024.
The move to 144 The Strand was initially phrased by the council in its messaging as a way to ensure uninterrupted visitor services while the Bay of PlentyRegional Council undertakes necessary upgrades to the floodwall around the current isite.
Much of the council’s discussion on the future of the isite has happened in public excluded meetings because of commercial sensitivity.
However, recent community consultation around the future of the site has included proposals for refitting the building for leasing to a food and beverage business tenant.
At a meeting after this consultation, the council agreed to carry out minimal work on tidying up the isite and put out a request for expressions of interest in the building from potential tenants.
An eatery would require the installation of a commercial kitchen, three-phase electricity and additional toilet facilities among other items.
The council has mentioned plans to go through an open request for proposal process for new tenants for the building during public meetings.
Chief executive Steven Perdia said there had been a lot of interest in the building from prospective tenants.
The Beacon asked people in the street what they felt would be a good use for the building.
Several people said they would like to see Gibbos on the Wharf given preference for leasing the building as the business had to leave its former building at 2 The Strand.
Some felt it should be kept as an isite, to showcase the district’s tourism activities.
Others would like to see it kept as a public space in some other form. A library, an art gallery and a drop-in centre were some of these ideas.
One person felt it would be good to have an interactive space for children such as the science museum on the Wellington waterfront.
Most felt a cafe of some sort should be incorporated into the design.
Everyone agreed it was a highly desirable site that many should be able to enjoy.
What people think
Keith Melville.
Keith Melville
It would be a great place for Gibbos fish and chip shop, the reason being that the council have pushed him out of his place on the wharf. I’m still not convinced that was necessary.
I would like to see something food and drink related go in there. I think with that view it would be a great idea, but only if it is open during the day.
Mother and son, Nola (above), and Dave (below) Wardlaw.
Nola and Dave Wardlaw
(Mother and son)
Dave Wardlaw.
We would like to see a really lovely fine dining restaurant, for evening meals, showcasing our fresh seafood, but with the daytime aspect of a somewhere people could go during the day for an affordable place to have a quick meal.
David Pool.
David Pool
Some sort of art facility or a cafe-come-gallery combined would be ideal. The pop-up gallery next to Robert Harris is very popular and many visitors to it ask why it isn’t available permanently.
Max Simpson.
Max Simpson
I would like to see it kept as a public place rather than a place that only serves one organisation. Somewhere people can walk around and enjoy the view. I enjoy the window displays featuring local places like Moutuhora, Nga Tapuwai o Toi and so on.
We thought it was a great spot for the isite. It had good prominence and was easy to find for tourists. We don’t understand why they moved down onto the main street where they are not so obvious. It should be updated and kept as an isite.
Dave Stewart.
Dave Stewart
I would like to see it made into a drop-in centre for anyone who just wants to chill for 10 minutes or so. I don’t think it should be a business. People could charge their phones and get free Wi-Fi. There could be a busking area for local musicians.
– LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
