The next Devonport-Takapuna local board meeting on August 7 will hear about the latest step in the process to upgrade Devonport’s wharf.

By mid-August it is anticipated that a designer will be selected by the Evaluation team, comprising AT, Auckland Council and ACPL personnel and two experienced independent evaluators. Once the designer has been chosen, concept plans will be produced to incorporate the following uses:

• Ferry passenger transport terminal, including access and egress,
• Retail with an emphasis on Food & Beverage retailing complemented by convenience and destination stores,
• Other commercial uses such as Child care and gym,
• Options including residential apartments or visitor accommodation, and
• Non-commercial public amenities

The completion of the concept plans will enable ACPL and AT to complete a Preliminary Feasibility Study based on the ideas and configurations shown on the plans. The feasibility study will assess:

• Marketability of the retail and commercial space, residential apartments and visitor accommodation,
• Buildability,
• Preliminary estimates of costs, revenues and returns, and
• Legal and planning issues.

For consultation and feedback the completed Concept Paper, including plans, will be taken back to the Board and then to the wider community. The aim is for this to take place in November 2012.

Following feedback, a recommendation will be made to the AT Board regarding approval of the Concept Paper and to proceed to the Business Case phase of the project.

The Business Case phase will provide a full analysis of the proposed development, detailing how the project is to be structured, funding options, the anticipated benefits and other considerations that could affect the project.