Fast-track bid lodged for major Devonport redevelopment – up to eight storeys high, 90 apartments, hotel, retail planned

“Each building is envisaged to have its own identity, supporting a diverse range of residential typologies.

Plans for the North Shore’s Devonport. Image / Devonport Property Management

“Basement parking provision ranges from approximately 80 to 200 spaces, subject to geotechnical conditions and final basement and car‑parking design outcomes,” the plans say.

Plans for a $400 million scheme emerged last January when an application was made to be included in the original fast-track law, although the Devonport scheme failed to be included.

Looking down the main street with Clarence St on the right. Photo / Devonport Property Management

Now, the scheme has been further developed and an application made for fast-track consideration.

A total gross floor area of 24,077 to 27,800sq m is planned in the new developments.

Height dominance is reduced via setbacks from the street.

A lane-way style of buildings at street level in the redevelopment scheme launched for Auckland’s Devonport. Image / Devonport Property Management

Plans are to demolish additions and alterations to heritage buildings on Wynyard St and open laneways and through-site links into a large central courtyard.

The more modern ex-Auckland Savings Bank building in the line of heritage buildings is to be demolished.

A new structure will be built in its place as the main entranceway, designed to look like the former building.

A west-facing view of a new entry building proposed to be developed on the site of the former Auckland Savings Bank in the main street of Devonport, Auckland. Image / Devonport Property Management

Hiddleston said designs were the last done by the late Pip Cheshire before he died but his practice continues with son Nat in charge.

“The wait has been long, at least three years. The effort has been huge but we’re very proud of where we’re at with this stage in the process,” Hiddleston said.

Looking towards the buildings in the village from the restored and rebuilt Victoria Wharf. Image / Devonport Property Management

“This will be transformative. That wouldn’t be possible owning only one property. We’ve been fortunate to have a portfolio within the village of properties.“

Mark Hiddleston, in 2023, in front of the line of buildings on Devonport’s Victoria Rd where the development is proposed.

The properties are between Victoria Rd, Wynyard St and Clarence St.

“We think it is a game-changer not only for Devonport but for all of Auckland, with the heart of it being the heritage buildings.”

An elevation of plans for the proposed development of Devonport, Auckland. Image / Devonport Property Management

Those were a key asset for the city, “but not as decorative structures, but as living assets, not just something to look at”.

Opening the Wynyard St backs with laneways would enable the public to see a different aspect of those heritage buildings, which brings further life and energy to Devonport, which it deserves, he said.

The developers are applying for fast-track consent from the Crown agency.

“We’re only at the start of the referral stage, perhaps three months away from finding out if we’re successful. Then it will be another 18 months for the substantive stage.”

Plans for Devonport, Auckland, looking from the ferry terminal. Image / Devonport Property Management

Hiddleston said the original application two years ago was when the fast-track process was announced.

Calls were made for core projects to be included, “but we’d be the first to admit we weren’t ready in terms of the full design and engagement”.

The business had more recently bought the portfolio of the late Jack Scott, which added considerably to its footprint.

Plans for a retail laneway within the development of Devonport, Auckland. Image / Devonport Property Management

A boutique hotel would embrace the Stone Oven bakery building on Clarence St, which was the Telephone Exchange.

“We are prepared to go through the process. We’ve got a great team and we’re really proud of what’s in the public area.”

No public money was required, he said.

The business does not own the Esplanade Hotel on the corner of Queens Pde and Victoria St.

Devonport is one of the few Auckland town centres that lack substantial intensification.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 26 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.

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