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 Bay of Plenty Regional 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.

To create a food and beverage facility in the building 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 Gibbo’s on the Wharf given preference for leasing the building as they had to leave their 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.

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.