However Bridgecorp legal manager Grahame Fong confirmed the lease had been transferred before Christmas. Bridgecorp is now on the title. He refused to comment further.

The Flagstaff understands the lease will free up Bridgecorp, a finance company which ended up owning the wharf after a previous owner defaulted on loan payments, to sell the property or perhaps reactivate an agreement it had with Subritzky Line to buy the building. Fong refused to comment when these statements were put to him.

Devonport Community Board chair Mike Cohen hoped any new owner would address the wharf's appearance and safety at night Devonport is the gateway to the North Shore and it's very important to create a good image for tourism.