Whakatāne Riverfront Plan Approved in Scaled-Back $7.5m Design

The Whakatāne District Council has approved a scaled-back design for riverfront enhancement works, opting for a baseline plan that balances cost pressures with public amenity improvements.

“The approved baseline design represents the minimum scope of work required to integrate the upgraded floodwall along the riverfront while still securing external funding,” said the council .

The decision was made at a council meeting on Thursday, following public consultation in March on a range of project options.

The enhancements are linked to upgraded flood protection works led by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. The project aims to reduce the visual impact of the new floodwall and improve connections between the town centre and the Whakatāne River.

The approved baseline design has a total cost of $7.5 million, split evenly between central government funding through Kānoa – Provincial Growth Fund and council funding allocated in its 2024–2034 Long Term Plan.

“By approving the baseline design and not including additional optional features, the council will realise savings of approximately $2.1 million,” it said.

An alternative lower-cost option, which would have involved returning government funding and scaling the project back further, was considered but ultimately rejected.

“Councillors agreed that proceeding with the baseline design struck the right balance between fiscal constraints and improving amenity,” said the council.

The project will focus on several key locations, including the site of the former iSITE building on Kākahoroa Drive, the corner of The Strand and Quay Street, and the town wharf precinct.

The council said changes to the design were made in response to public feedback.

“Several refinements were made to the baseline design, including a simplified access ramp connecting the roadside to the area around the former iSITE building, and a larger grassed area.”

At the corner of The Strand and Quay Street, the plan provides for a temporary recreational space. The site is earmarked for future commercial development, and existing buildings are expected to be removed.

“Public feedback supported doing the minimum required at this temporary site, and minor adjustments were made accordingly.”

Around the wharf, the revised design prioritises better accessibility to the river.

“For the wharf and surrounding area, feedback supported a modified design that maximises seating and improves access to the awa,” said the council.

“There was also interest in shipping containers as a flexible option for retailers or food and beverage operators.”

Councillors have also directed staff to seek external funding to support three additional features from the remaining $2.1 million in the Long Term Plan budget.

“Councillors have instructed staff to seek external funding to co-fund three additional design features,” said the council.

“These include additional accessways and ramps, shade structures, and a basketball area adjacent to the Mātaatua Reserve.”

The project will now move into the detailed design and consenting phase.