Devonport ferry wharf to be given a makeover

The wharf as seen from the water with a ferry alongside. (wikimedia)

The main destination of ferries from downtown Auckland across the harbour, the imminent Rugby World Cup has prompted the Auckland Council to give this rather tired looking wharf a spruce-up.

The press release from the Auckland Mayor yesterday:

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Devonport locals are about to see significant improvements to their local wharf.

Auckland Council is refurbishing the rundown wharf in a two-stage upgrade that will see visible improvements before Rugby World Cup 2011, and significant structural and facilities improvements commencing in 2012.

“This work is long overdue,” says Devonport-Takapuna Local Board chair Chris Darby.
“This is the first significant maintenance programme for the wharf in the last 20 years, which will benefit both daily commuters and the heritage tourism potential of Devonport village.”

“Auckland Council has enabled this work to proceed swiftly, with strong collaboration between the Mayor, Auckland Transport and the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board. This will bring new life to Devonport Wharf.”

“This wharf has been neglected,” says Len Brown. “Devonport locals have had to wait long enough for this, presenting this tired face to local commuters, Kiwi and overseas visitors alike. Auckland Council is stepping up to make improvements and make them now.”

“In two months, we will welcome 85,000 visitors to Auckland for RWC 2011, and we want Devonport to be able to welcome visitors to smart and tidy wharf. Ferries are an important part of Auckland’s ongoing transport mix, so it is timely for us to make sure passengers have a decent terminal to use,” says the Mayor.

Work scheduled before Rugby World Cup include replacing guttering and damaged cladding; cleaning, plaster repair and repainting internal walls and ceilings; repairing broken concrete pillar bases, new lighting and illuminated signage at the main entrance; minor refurbishments to existing toilets, and new footlights from the berth to the bus stop on the external walkway.

The wharf, which previously came under North Shore City Council, is now the responsibility of Auckland Transport. The cost of the two-stage refurbishment falls within the normal repair and maintenance budget of Auckland Transport, re-prioritised for this work.

There are some minor improvements also planned for the neighbour Victoria Wharf prior to RWC 2011. Further refurbishment will be investigated at a later stage.

The Devonport Wharf refurbishment will tie in with the construction of a Marine Square arrival court linking the terminal to the village, and a spacious boardwalk to be developed between the two wharves.