New eatery coming to Devonport Wharf

New eatery coming to Devonport Wharf

Devon on the Wharf due to open in July

AUCKLAND, 22 April 2016 – The newly refurbished Northern Pavilion of Devonport Wharf has been leased by JLL and will be home to Devon on the Wharf, a new all-round hospitality offering which will be unique to Devonport.

As part of AT’s new Metro retail strategy, JLL’s head of retail Chris Beasleigh and retail specialist Chloe Brooks are working with Auckland Transport (AT) on its vision to develop Devonport Wharf into a unique destination.

Beasleigh says the project team drew inspiration from Sydney’s Manly Wharf, as an example of a transport wharf that has been successfully activated with retail.

JLL successfully marketed the high-end premises and secured a tenant whose vision for the area is in line with Auckland Transport’s.

Devon on the Wharf will offer everything from coffee in the early morning to meals throughout the day, as well as ice cream and drinks. This meets Auckland Transport’s goal of creating an appealing space for visitors, locals and commuters.

“This will be an impressive venue that will draw people to the wharf and ultimately increase passenger numbers for AT,” Beasleigh says.

Auckland restauranteurs Alex Isik and Nigar Ivgen are the names behind Devon on the Wharf. They are the owners of the popular Deco Eatery in Titirangi and Bodrum Kitchen in New Lynn, making them well equipped to deal with the two million or so passengers who currently pass through the ferry terminal each year.

The menu will be inspired by the ocean, with a touch of Isik and Ivgen’s Turkish heritage.

The pair are looking forward to returning to Devonport.

“Nigar and I began our journey into hospitality when we acquired Zigana Espresso in Devonport years ago. Devon on the Wharf is going to be a great place to enjoy, with several transformations during the day, catering to working professionals, locals, visitors and families,” Alex Isik says.

First part of AT's retail strategy

General Manager AT Metro Mark Lambert says the space at Devonport is the first part of Auckland Transport’s retail strategy for public transport facilities.

“One of the key objectives of the strategy is to enhance the experience for our customers using public transport (Metro) facilities and to attract current non-public transport users to Metro facilities.

"This is part of the improvements across public transport to ultimately support and build on the momentum of the recent record growth in public transport use in Auckland. This restaurant will help build Devonport Wharf as a centre of activity to the benefit of locals, visitors and commuters alike.”

Revitalisation welcomed

“The revitalisation of Devonport Wharf has been a long time coming. Confirmation that our hard work is paying off with a new tenant, new boardwalk and a revitalised doorway to Devonport caps off a long innings for me,” North Shore Councillor Chris Darby says.

"Our wharf will no longer be a dull point of transportation transfer, but a brilliant and lively anchor which reinforces Devonport as a top destination from the moment you step off the ferry."

The letting agreement follows a substantial refurbishment of the north end and surrounding public areas of Devonport Wharf by Auckland Transport. Improvements include the upgrade of Marine Square and a new boardwalk and central entrance which will further enhance connectivity between the wharf and Devonport village.

Fit-out works will commence in May and the restaurant is due to open in July.

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