The Devonport Flagstaff Page 31
August 7, 2015
Wharf public opening a low-quay affair
Colourful characters… Little Pirate Milla Holland (right) and cousin Brodie Crowther
New Devonport website A new website will be developed as part of plans to rejuvenate the commercial hub of Devonport. An upgraded website for the town had been put on hold until work on strategic branding for Devonport had been completed, Devonport BID manager Judy Grieve told the Devonport Business Association (DBA) AGM on Monday. “We will be moving forward with the website in the new year.” The Devonport Brand Project and Tourism Growth Strategy outlines a wide variety of commericial options for Devonport. Grieve said the DBA was keen to “promote ourselves as an inner city suburb – we have a lot to offer people in the CBD.” The BID would use the report to help make decisions on how to best market and position the town. • The Flagstaff will analyse the report in depth in its next issue.
McHugh recognised The contribution of long-time Devonport Business Association member John McHugh was honoured at its AGM on Monday. McHugh, who owned McHughs of Cheltenham for around three decades, died suddenly earlier this year. DBA chairman John Waugh said McHugh had worked hard for the DBA for many years and members honoured him with one minute’s silence.
Purrrrfect… Petra Wehrle (left) with mum Natasha After more than a year of construction, the up pirates and fairies, a bouncy castle, free opening celebration for Devonport’s Marine cupcakes, hot chocolate, pumpkin soup and Square and Victoria Wharf last month was candy floss, and a jazz band during a drizzly Sunday afternoon. a low-key family affair. Local politicians and council staff also Auckland Council delivered mostly for the young and hungry. There were dressed- attended, but stayed in the background.
Building heights raise questions of DBA
Accusations of a lack of consultation over a submission supporting increased heights of commercial heritage buildings were levelled at the Devonport Business Association (DBA) during its AGM on Monday. The DBA submitted to the Proposed Auckland Unitary Plan that building heights in Devonport town centre should be able to go to 12 metres – three storeys. Fiona Startup of Bookmark, a second-hand bookshop, said there was widespread concern about the submission, which was not supported by all DBA members. However, DBA chairman John Waugh said the submission had been written after consultation with business owners. But three businesses at the meeting – Kevin Johnston Boat Builders, Bookmark and Devonport Lingerie – said their views had not been sought on the submission. BID board member and architect Ken Davis, who prepared the submission, said the DBA fully supported heritage protection for the views of Mt Victoria. But the submission was the first time building
heights in Devonport had been reviewed in 39 years. The option of going up to 12 metres was only as high at the Victoria Theatre at one end of the village and the Esplanade Hotel at the other, he said. BID manager Judy Grieve said in other areas an economically viable town centre was vital to the protection of heritage buildings.
A year of transition but exciting times ahead
The first eight months of Devonport’s BID was described as a transition period, but the building blocks have been established for growth of the town centre. The Devonport Brand Project and Tourism Growth Strategy would help create a properous local economy for visitors and locals alike, BID manager Judy Grieve told the DBA AGM. “We believe that there is much that can be done to strengthen Devonport’s position as a visitor destination and better meet the needs of both local residents and visitors.” Various promotions have been held since the BID was launched, including White New DBA Board Night, which was a great success with DeThe board for 2015/16 is: Morag Burden vonport buzzing with crowds and events, (Devonport Flowers); Donna Gustafson she said. (Devonport Lingerie); Adam du Preez (Back Wharf tenant found Alley Tease Gallery); Ian Cunliffe (Barfoot and A tenant for the upgraded Devonport Thompson, Rotary); Judy Machin (Peace and Wharf space has been selected by council, Plenty Bed and Breakfast); Ken Davis (Archi- Devonport BID manager Judy Grieve said. tect); Pauline Colmar (Bette’s/Zest): Pauline The prospective tenant was in the hosBaker (Magic Broomsticks); Dave Barton pitality industry and was likely to take the (accountant); John Waugh (lawyer);and Eddie whole space on offer, she told the DBA’s de Heer (property owner). AGM on Monday.