Council's purchase secures future for Devonport Wharf

June 14, 2006

North Shore City Council has bought Devonport Wharf's commercial building from Bridgecorp subsidiary Monice Properties - securing a positive future for the City's busiest ferry commuter terminal.

The $2.9m wharf purchase completes the council's acquisition of all North Shore ferry terminals. The current structure opened in October 1992 and has had a chequered commercial history, with successive owners being unable to maintain a commercially viable facility.

Mayor George Wood says the purchase reinforces North Shore City's commitment to the future of ferry transport and the ongoing improvement of facilities for commuters.

"The commercial structure above Devonport Wharf is showing wear and tear as a result of its marine environment and lack of ongoing investment in maintaining the facility," says Mr Wood.

"Devonport Wharf is the maritime gateway to our city and we need it to be a facility we can all be proud of. Any redevelopment work will be carefully thought through, as will our investigations into the exciting range of potential uses for the building.

"We had been reluctant to take on the problems of the wharf, but councillors have seen the necessity to take full control of this key ferry terminal."

Over the past year North Shore City Council has funded security improvements to ferry wharves in Stanley Bay, Northcote Pt and Birkenhead. A new $2.7m passenger terminal at Birkenhead wharf will open in July.

ENDS

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