An iconic corner in downtown Whakatāne is up for sale.
Number 79 The Strand – the home of the Whakatāne Hotel and other businesses – is a landmark property in Whakatāne’s CBD and its sale provides a rare opportunity for investors looking to secure a freehold site with strong tenancies in place.

The corner site has been home to a continum of hotels since the 1880s, enlarged and rebuilt as the town developed.

The existing building, an exemplary example of Art Deco architecture, was constructed in 1939 by Hancock & Co at a cost of 30,000 pounds.

Designed by Auckland architect Robert B Young, it has stood the test of time, establishing itself as not only an architectural feature of the downtown streetscape, but part of Whakatāne’s social fabric.

The 2687 square metre (more of less) freehold site is home to a substantial building with a floor area of about 2220 square metres.

Within it are many long-established hospitality operators including The Craic Irish Bar, Cobb & Co Restaurant and the Whakatāne Hotel, along with other businesses.

Even in the early days of Whakatāne, The Strand/George Street corner was a prime location – a commanding corner favoured by the town’s early developers for its proximity to the wharf.

Today, it remains a prominent site, benefitting from constant vehicle and pedestrian flow with this eastern end of town having become home to a comprehensive mix of retail, service and hospitality business along with high-rise apartments.

Council plans to invest millions into revitalising the Whakatāne riverfront area will only increase amenity values at this end of The Strand and increase foot traffic.

The building itself is grand – inside and out – with its distinctive architecture making it one of the most striking and recognisable buildings in the CBD.

The Craic, Cobb & Co, the Boiler Room and the adjacent spaces occupied by a barbershop and health food store can be readily visited but there is more beyond the streetfront, including accommodation facilities upstairs in the hotel, accessed by its sweeping Art Deco staircase.

For investors, opportunities of this magnitude rarely come to market. The scale and positioning of the property make it a strategic holding worthy of serious
consideration by those looking to expand their commercial portfolio.

It’s a cornerstone asset within Whakatāne’s CBD and a significant long-term income producing asset.

Viewing is by appointment with a LIM, lease documentation and detailed seismic
assessment available on request.

Larissa Reid from Bayleys is happy to answer any questions relating to the property and arrange a walk-through.

■ Prominent downtown corner
■ Iconic art deco building
■ Long-term tenants
■ Rare commercial investment opportunity

79 The Strand, Whakatāne | Listed by: Bayleys Whakatāne |Phone 07 307 2710
To be sold by auction May 19 at 10.30am (unless sold prior) | Viewing: By appointment
Agent: Larissa Reid 027 4369 701