Devonport is revered for its coveted harbourside lifestyle, charming character and picturesque beauty. Properties in the area are sought-after, but we’re not just talking residential – commercial properties are also on the rise in Devonport.
What is helping to drive this rising opportunity is the transformation in Devonport. No longer just seen as a quaint harbourside neighbourhood for retirees, there has been a recent resurgence of its popularity. No doubt encouraged by the mass upgrades, building restorations and the timeless character that it exudes.
One longest standing building’s in Devonport is 5-15 Victoria Road, a centrally located boutique block of retail shops, office spaces and a café/restaurant. Although the block is currently undergoing refurbishment, they are being marketed for lease by myself and fellow NAI Harcourt’s agent Nick Young. While we’re excited to see 5-15 Victoria Road after its spruce up and refurbishment, we wanted to make sure that the precinct retained its character, style and history that we love so much about Devonport properties. Devonport truly is one of a kind, and 5-15 Victorian Road is a prime example of that.
The Arcade, with its refurbishments, is promising to be one of the most unique retail spots in Devonport, a corridor rich in heritage, connecting the main shopping street Victoria Road to our own gritty urban route on Wynyard Street.
- See the listing for the retail shops here
- See the listing for the office spaces here
- Café/restaurant space – LEASED
The Visitor Information Centre which has just relocated to the Arcade at 5-15 Victoria Road, has been giving warm and quality face-to-face guidance to over 24,000 visitors since it opened late April 2017. Overseen by the Devonport Business Association, the centre is run by a 25 strong crew of passionate and knowledgeable volunteers who work hard to enhance the visitor experience, knowing full well that personal guidance will always surpass digital.
Tourists to the area are only set to increase dramatically after the recent redevelopment of the Devonport Wharf by Auckland Transport. This world-class facility now makes the 20-minute ferry trip from Downtown Auckland CBD even more enticing to the thousands of tourists and local residents making the journey across the Harbour each month. What’s more, with the upcoming 2021 America’s Cup, Devonport is going to be a major attraction for tourists during Cup season.
Devonport businesses need to position themselves and get ready for a great surge in foot traffic. In fact, tourists are spending up large right now, with a nearly 22% increase in spending in Devonport from overseas visitors from July 2016 to July 2017 (Auckland Council, Annual Market Activity Report 2017) – and that is only set to increase even more in the next few years. With intensification happening in the heart of Auckland, the swell in apartment construction means CBD residents will soon be looking to Devonport as their all-time favourite day trip.
Visitors come to enjoy an easy village pace, original heritage buildings, boutique shops and relaxed and quality dining. It’s a place known for its thriving arts scene and is home to the enormously popular GLOW event, New Zealand Sculpture on the Shore and the locally produced Devonport Arts Festival. There are over 25 public murals in and around the village, stunning and diverse galleries, a writers’ centre and the oldest purpose-built cinema building in the Southern Hemisphere – The Vic Theatre.
For those who get in now while Devonport is still an untapped goldmine for business and property opportunities, the future is going to be very bright.
If you’re interested in finding out more about 5-15 Victoria Road, please do not hesitate to contact me.