The iconic 'Wally Sutherland' building at 266 The Strand is ready for a creative transformation!
We're on the lookout for a dynamic, creative enterprise to lease this prime spot and help bring our new Constellation Creative Hub to life. Imagine a vibrant space where creativity thrives, local talent shines, and visitors are wowed.
This is your opportunity to be part of something truly special. We’re seeking a high-profile, sustainable venture with deep local roots to bring our vision of developing Whakatāne into a top destination for arts, culture, and creativity.
We're excited to announce Registrations of Interest are now open for lease of the property at 266 The Strand, known locally as the ‘Wally Sutherland’ building.
A recent Creative Hub Feasibility Project Report, guided by Council’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy, has recommended a 'Constellation Creative Hub' model for the district. A ‘Creative Hub’ is a space or spaces where creativity is fostered, shared, learned, and experienced. The feasibility assessment concluded that a new Constellation Creative Hub initiative is essential for developing a compelling arts and cultural tourism profile for the district.
"Leasing 266 The Strand for arts, culture, and creativity-based activities as part of a Constellation Creative Hub will create a vibrant visitor experience alongside a sustainable creative business venture. Our aim for this ventures is to deliver significant community and tourism benefits that reflect the district’s unique cultural identity, history, and narratives."
- Georgina Fletcher, GM Community Experience
We're eager to partner with local creative communities to bring this vision to life. We're looking for:
- A high-profile, financially sustainable creative enterprise with an authentic local connection to bring this iconic building to life and transform it into the cornerstone of our Constellation Creative Hub.
- Respondents must be willing and able to partner meaningfully and collaboratively with Whakatāne District Council and creative sector leaders to build a viable arts and culture tourism offering based on the district’s unique cultural identity and sense of place.
The Wally Sutherland building offers a unique opportunity for creative leaders to enhance the district’s profile as key destination for arts, culture, and creativity. Its strategic location and size make it ideal for establishing a high-quality, high-profile arts, culture, and creativity-based business or activity that is authentically local.
"This initiative is multi-faceted – it’s about putting our district on the map and attracting people to Whakatāne. We want this building to be a place for connection, sharing and celebrating local talent and creative mahi. This will be a must-see experience for both locals and visitors that will provide significant social, cultural, and economic benefits. It will enhance outcomes for creative communities and diversify and elevate the district’s tourism profile."
The Creative Hub Feasibility project and the Long Term Plan consultation process have shown significant positive public feedback and support for the Arts, Culture, and Creativity Strategy and the use of 266 The Strand for a Creative Hub.
Interested? Registrations of Interest are now open!
How to register
The Registration of Interest process for lease of the building by a creative enterprise is open now until 5pm, Wednesday, 9 October 2024.
- View the tender documents on the NZ Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website » (RFx ID: 30203782)
- Email procurement@whakatane.govt.nz
More information
In early August 2024, the Creative Hub Feasibility Report was presented to Whakatāne District Council’s Living Together Committee, together with several key staff recommendations. The Committee supported a ‘Constellation Creative Hub’ model for Whakatāne District. Staff were asked to develop an implementation plan for the report recommendations. The Committee also approved a recommendation to explore proposals to lease the property at 266 The Strand, known locally as the ‘Wally Sutherland’ building, to establish an arts, culture and creativity-based activity/business and visitor experience (as an early move in the development of the constellation creative hub, alongside Te Kōputu and Te Whare Taonga o Taketake).