Decaying Devonport wharves may cost up to $15m to fix

An estimated 1.5 million ferry passengers use Devonport Wharf each year. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The future of two prominent Devonport wharves used for ferry travel and fishing may well hang on the concern shown by residents and commercial interests.

A call for proposals to redevelop the Devonport Wharf and adjacent Victoria Wharf has been made by the North Shore City Council.

The proposals can be for one or both wharves.

At the same time, the council is seeking public views on what to do about Victoria Wharf, which is to the seaward side of the ferry wharf. It is one of Auckland's most popular fishing platforms and seaside promenades.

But the 80-year-old structure is in such a poor state that residents are being asked whether they want to spend $3 million to either repair it or demolish it.

More expensive choices include replacing corroded sections for between $10 million and $15 million. This would add about $29 to the average rates bill.

Devonport Wharf is used by 1.5 million ferry passengers a year but carries a rundown and dreary two-level building resulting from a property developer's efforts in 1992.

"Almost two decades of decay and neglect has affected Devonport Wharf and we can't let that continue, said Devonport resident and city councillor Chris Darby.

"Devonport village is the region's biggest tourist drawcard and the potential to grow the economic value is limited without the upgrade of the wharves."

Mr Darby described the wharves as "8000sq m of prime real estate over the water."

The council had the asset but needed a joint-venture partner to add the necessary capital.

Public submissions to the draft plan close on Friday, April 24.

In 2007 Devonport Wharf was considered as a site for the Navy Museum but this is going ahead at Torpedo Bay.

The council gets rent for shops in the wharf and from Fullers Ferries which covers maintenance.

However, the council said significant maintenance was needed to bring the commercial structure up to standard.

Devonport Community Board has approved a $4 million revamp of Marine Square where the wharf meets the main street. City passenger transport manager Bill Drager said maintenance and possible replacement of the wharves was becoming of concern as their condition deteriorated.