Boon Street public toilets may soon be demolished and replaced, thanks to funding from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi.

Whakatāne District Council will receive $637,000 in co-funding to upgrade the restrooms through NZTA’s Bus Driver Fund.

The funding is administered through Bay of Plenty Regional Council, which applied on the district council’s behalf and will report to NZTA on progress.

The funding equates to 75 percent of the project cost, with the remainder of $212,000 to be provided by the district council.

Staff reported yesterday that the district council had signed the funding agreement.

NZTA had recently sought expressions of interest for funding improvements to working conditions for bus drivers.

As part of the upgrade, as well as public toilets, bus driver facilities will be made available, including a driver-only toilet, a small driver break room and safety features such as lighting and passive surveillance.

The project will replace the existing end-of-life public toilet facilities and incorporate an improved passenger waiting area with seating and lighting.

It is expected to be completed by May 2027, with demolition of the old building to start by the end of the year.

A report to the regional council acknowledged Archeological Authority would need to be applied for from Heritage NZ and consultation with affected parties completed before demolition.