Tourist surge tipped for Devonport
Devonport is known for maritime history, waterfront walks and colonial charm, yet its full potential is only now becoming apparent. That’s the view of NAI Harcourt’s agents Isaac Tankard and Nick Young, who are marketing leases in The Arcade, a boutique block at 5-15 Victoria Rd. They say securing one of these would be an excellent move, considering latest growth forecasts for Devonport.
“This favoured North Shore suburb has always attracted tourists but this seems to be about to go exponential,” says Tankard.
“Following Auckland Transport’s redevelopment of the Devonport Wharf facilities, Devonport is a pleasant 20-minute ferry ride from Downtown, enticing to thousands of overseas and national tourists.
Devonport already hosts thousands of ferry passenger tourists each month and numbers are predicted to steadily rise leading up to 2020 America’s Cup celebrations.
“There will be scores of additional shoppers with open wallets and Devonport Business Association manager, Toni van Tonder, is urging local business people to position themselves for the surge in foot traffic,” says Tankard.
“It’s already under way — the increase in spending among visitors between July 2016 and July 2017 was almost 22 per cent.”
Young says The Arcade has four offices, a cafe and nine retail shops, each with its own toilet facilities.
Of these, one of the offices and five of the retail spaces have yet to be let. Spaces for lease all have frontage on to The Arcade, which connects Victoria Rd and Wynyard St.
A feature of The Arcade’s central atrium is the abundant natural light let in from above.
“Surrounding buildings are a mix of historical and new industrial, giving the area a unique feel and look.
“The Arcade has now been freshened up in order to look and feel more modern, while still retaining the historical atmosphere,” says Young.
The men point out that amenities such as the library, Naval Museum, commercial offices, cafes and restaurants have been improved or added to in recent years. Quirky attractions include tunnels and harbour defences at North Head and the Devonport Folk Music Club, held in a bunker on Mt Victoria.
“Many people just come to enjoy the wonderful old-world atmosphere, shopping and walks along King Edward Parade . . .
Tankard says with intensification happening in the heart of Auckland and the swell in apartment construction, already has CBD residents looking to Devonport as a favoured day trip destination.
“Visitors enjoy an easy village pace, original heritage buildings, boutique shops and relaxed, quality dining,” he says.
“Devonport has a thriving arts scene and is home to the enormously popular GLOW event, New Zealand Sculpture on the Shore and the locally produced Devonport Arts Festival.
“There are more than 25 public murals in and around the village, diverse galleries, a writers’ centre and the oldest purpose-built cinema building in the Southern Hemisphere — The Vic Theatre,” says Tankard.
“For those who get in now, while Devonport represents a barely tapped goldmine for business and property opportunities — the future is going to be very bright.”