Twenty-year vision for Devonport is for all to see

December 15, 2005

A master plan for the development of Devonport village is now up for public debate after getting the thumbs up from North Shore City Council.

The draft Devonport master plan, developed from Sills van Bohemen Architecture's winning Devonport urban design competition entry, was presented to the council's strategic management committee in November.

"We were impressed by the content of the master plan, which gives us a 10 to 20-year vision to guide the development of the centre of Devonport," says committee chairman, Gary Holmes.

"The master plan will assist with the co-ordination of future capital works in the area and will be on display from the end of December until late in February at the Devonport library.

"Knowing how enthusiastic the community is about the village, we look forward to receiving many comments," says Councillor Holmes.

The master plan for the historic core of North Shore City focuses on co-ordinated development around three particular areas of Marine Square, Bartley Square and Victoria Rd.

The master plan suggests changes to Marine Square to make the maritime gateway to Devonport more pleasant, emphasising the view of the Esplanade Hotel and creating a public outdoor wharf with shelter, views and sunlight that forms a direct connection from Victoria Rd to the ferry.

Victoria Rd would have its existing palm avenue developed as a pedestrian promenade extending to Victoria Wharf and enlarging Windsor Reserve.

Clarence St and Bartley Square would be upgraded with new high-canopied trees and paving to allow for flexible use of the footpath for market day and other events.

North Shore City's urban design champion, Councillor Chris Darby, thinks the master plan is refreshingly understated.

"It honours Devonport's heritage foundations and provides a much needed platform for the urban renaissance of the village area," says the Devonport Community Board member and Stanley Bay resident.

"The architects have delivered a quality urban blueprint for Devonport's future. It creates engaging spaces, ensures connectivity and ease of movement, and lays another building block in Devonport's built heritage.

"The public realm within our town centres deserves convincing and innovative design unique to context as this provides. My role as urban design champion is city-wide but being a Devonport resident I'm keen to hear what people have to say about the plans for our centre," he says.

Devonport peninsula residents will receive a Devonport draft master plan consultation pamphlet at home and details of the draft master plan and an opportunity to make comments are also available on the council's website: www.northshorecity.govt.nz or by calling Actionline on 486 8600.

ENDS

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