Whakatāne’s riverfront revival begins with five building demolitions in 2026
Five buildings in Whakatāne’s town centre will be demolished as part of a riverfront regeneration project. The move follows the completion of the first two stages of Project Future Proof and aims to revitalise the area.
The council has already purchased the properties, which include 58, 60, and 62 The Strand, as well as 31 and 33 Quay Street. Some businesses have begun relocating ahead of the planned works.
The buildings marked for demolition include 62 Strand East, currently home to 1950 Restaurant and Bar, and 58 Strand East, previously occupied by The Framer. Both structures have been leased on short-term agreements and show signs of serious deterioration. Priscilla Bhandari, owner of 1950 Restaurant and Bar, has been given until the end of March to vacate the premises. Meanwhile, Rich Nielsen, who ran The Framer, has already moved to new premises at the corner of McAlister and Pyne streets.
The demolition forms part of a wider plan to enhance the riverfront. Funding for the project includes $3.79 million from the Provincial Growth Fund and $7.5 million from the council’s Long-Term Plan 2024-2034. Tenders for the demolition work are expected to open in March 2026, with enhancement tenders to follow later in the year. The first phase of improvements will focus on the area around the Whakatāne isite building and the demolition site. No contractor has yet been publicly named for the demolition, which is scheduled for late 2026.
The project will transform a section of Whakatāne’s town centre, removing ageing buildings and preparing the area for future development. Businesses affected by the demolitions have either relocated or been given deadlines to move out before work begins.
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