Devonport fast-track application: Developer explains new apartment/hotel block plans as locals prepare balloon launch

Mark Hiddleston of Peninsula Capital explains the thinking behind the proposal for buildings up to eight levels high in the North Shore heritage area.

Apartment and hotel blocks planned to rise above Devonport’s heritage Edwardian and Victorian buildings will be recessed from the main street frontage to cut dominance, the developer says.

But on Sunday locals are preparing to launch helium-filled balloons to show what they say is the true extent of the height, after protesting at local MP Simon Watt’s office last Saturday.

Mark Hiddleston of Peninsula Capital this week gave more details about the scheme to build two to six-level blocks above the two-level shops, resulting in four- to eight-level structures.

The plans launched by the company whose directors include Berridge Spencer have now been submitted under the Government’s fast-track process, not via the Auckland Council resource consent scheme.

But Devonport Heritage, headed by Margot McRae, is objecting to “five buildings of four to eight-storey buildings in the heart of Devonport if the fast-track proposal by Peninsula Capital is successful”.

Hiddleston estimated the blocks would be recessed 25m from the footpath and 30m from Victoria Rd.

That would mean they would have less of an effect on the built environment, he said.

16 Wynyard St, Devonport, is to be the Devonport Lanes' showroom where people will be invited to visit and make inquiries about the project. Photo / Corey Fleming.

Peninsula is also buying the two-level house at 16 Wynyard St, which it will turn into a Devonport Lanes’ showroom “and for people to ask questions, have discussions”.

Asked about the height, Hiddleston said: “We always knew height was going to be a concern. We are really proud of what we are doing. We spent a long time with a team of experts.

This Devonport wall expresses concerns of some locals about the proposal. Photo / Corey Fleming

“If you think about the peninsula and how it has changed – the village has not kept pace with that, particularly with regard to the second and third generation here.”

Peninsula Capital has more latterly also bought 14 Wynyard St next to its neighbouring planned showroom.

Hiddleston said buying those two properties would give more size, scope and area to plans.

“That will allow us to address some of the massing we needed.”

Hiddleston inside the ex-ASB premises in Devonport: buildings will only rise at the back of this structure if fast-track consent is granted, he said. Photo / Corey Fleming

Hiddleston said in the early 2000s, his family would visit Devonport to buy fish and chips and eat them on the beach.

But he says the suburb has not kept pace with development in other parts of Auckland and risks falling behind if it does not offer more varied housing typologies and an upgraded retail precinct.

Opponents have raised issues about traffic, impact on heritage, building height and visual dominance.

Plans for Devonport, Auckland, looking from the ferry terminal. Image / Devonport Property Management

Standing inside the empty ex-ASB building, 21 Victoria Rd, Hiddleston said plans were to demolish that, the singularly more modern building in the heritage lineup.

Devonport's empty ex-ASB building would be demolished. Plans are for the original facade of the previous building on the site to be replicated and a glass-roof arcade opened within that building for through-site links. Photo / Devonport Lanes

A new facade would be built to replicate the original building on the site and a glass roof would bring light and give it an arcade-like ambience.

That would be the central feature of the Devonport Lanes, allowing circulation in a light-filled sheltered area between the main street and Wynyard St.

Plans for the North Shore's Devonport. Image / Devonport Property Management

“The tallest building would be built right at the back of this existing building. That would be 25m from the footpath and 30m from the road.

“The setback means the massing is more at the middle of the site, not on the main street edge.

Hiddleston in Devonport's main street, Victoria Rd, explaining the reasoning behind the plans. Photo / Corey Fleming

“Devonport Lanes is about bringing value to the whole peninsula and beyond, with amenity, restoration and re-use in the next 50 years.”

Plans for a lane-way style of buildings at street level in the redevelopment scheme launched for Auckland's Devonport. Image / Devonport Property Management

In response to concerns about congestion on Lake Rd, Hiddleston said: “Right there you have the ferry terminal, then it’s only about 15 minutes across to the CBD.”

On effects on tipuna maunga Takuranga/Mt Victoria, Hiddleston said: “We have very closely worked with a team of landscape architects, architects, planners and iwi to make sure we respect the maunga and moana.”

Devonport Lanes

Fast-track consent being sought;
Developer: Peninsula Capital;
Five buildings of two to six levels;
One would be a hotel, four would be apartments;
Planned above existing two-level buildings;
That could result in buildings of six to eight levels
Between Victoria Rd, Clarence St, Wynyard St;
80 to 90 apartments planned;
46 to 50-room hotel planned;
80 to 200 car parks developed in basement.

Anne Gibson has been the Herald’s property editor for 26 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.

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