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Devonport Wharf transport facilities Transport facilities

AT proposed 4 key changes to the wharf that would enhance the customer experience by providing improved shelter as well as better retail potential in the north end of the wharf building.

Proposed changes to transport facilities at Devonport Wharf

There are 4 elements to the proposed changes and we have included a summary of feedback received during the consultation for each of the elements:

1. A new canopy on the western side of the building

Designed to provide protection from the weather for passengers transferring to or from bus to ferry.

Devonport Wharf Design Element1

Summary of feedback received

  • Almost two-thirds (63%) of participants were in support of the proposed canopy, while 25% were opposed and 12% were neutral.
  • Participants highlighted the proposal’s ability to provide improved protection and increased shelter from the rain and other elements. Some found the design visually appealing, and thought the structure would not block views to the city. Others liked the direct (under cover) access to the ferry, thought it would be better for retail, liked the steps down to the beach or were generally positive.
  • When asked what they didn’t like, comments suggested the proposed canopy would spoil the view, and block sunlight, or that it simply wouldn’t provide enough shelter and that internal use of the wharf should be retained in case of bad weather.

2. An extension of the roof at the front of the wharf building

The proposed design provides a sense of openness and replaces the existing run-down, free-standing canopy.

Devonport Wharf Design Element2

Summary of feedback received

  • Two-thirds (67%) of participants were in support of the proposed roof extension, while 23% were opposed and 11% were neutral.
  • People were happy with the additional protection and shelter the roof extension would provide, and described the design as attractive, modern and welcoming – making particular comment about the design following the roofline.
  • Primarily, dislikes of the roof extension centred on it being out of character with the village and its heritage values, or the sense that it was visually unappealing. A significant proportion felt it was unnecessary, didn’t provide enough protection or made no improvement, suggesting that a replacement of the old canopy would suffice.

3. A new bus shelter along the full length of the bus stop

This has been designed to provide protection from the weather for passengers transferring between bus and ferry, and for bus passengers waiting at the bus stop.  The shelter has been designed to preserve views of the harbour and city, with gaps in the rear wall to enable people to walk through. 

The bus stop and shelter will be located along the southern edge of the car parking area (to the western side of the ferry terminal).  Please note that the bus stop is being relocated and extended as part of the approved upgrades to the Devonport Marine Square. The shelter will be provided along the relocated bus stop not the current bus stop location.

Devonport Wharf Design Element3

Summary of feedback received

  • Participants indicated a strong level of opposition to the bus shelter with 73% saying they opposed the plan. A total of 23% were in support of the design element and 4% were neutral.
  • Some people liked the added protection and shelter of this design and felt it encouraged public transport use. The use of glass and clear materials that maintain the view was also favourably mentioned.
  • Those who disliked this aspect of the proposal felt it was unnecessary and couldn’t see the need for it, believing it would spoil the sea views and ‘ruin the waterfront’. Some said a smaller version could be acceptable, and the proposed design was too long, too large and unattractive.

4. Redirection of the pedestrian pathway, which currently runs through the wharf building

This proposal removes the current internal pedestrian path through the centre of the northern end of the wharf building and redirects people via the paths on the eastern and western sides of the building.  Roof extensions will provide shelter from the weather for these paths, but not to the same level as the current internal pathway.  The removal of the existing internal path will create a larger and enhanced retail space, which will be suitable for food and beverage retail activities.

Devonport Wharf Design Element 4

Summary of feedback received

  • There was a strong level of opposition to this design element, with 53% of participants opposed. A total of 29% were in favour of altering the pedestrian pathway, while 19% were neutral.
  • The most positive aspect of this design element for participants was the opportunity for better retail space, more retail options and the potential for outdoor café areas. Additionally, people liked the option of an alternative and more direct route to the ferry and the improved pedestrian flow the pathway offered. However some still wanted the existing internal access retained.
  • The two most commonly mentioned reasons for participants to dislike this element were the removal of the internal access way and the resulting exposure to weather that would bring, and the priority and perceived overabundance of retail. Some questioned the viability of retail, with a lack of foot traffic and the effect of a revamped retail area on local village shops.