18 June 2021
The moment is here! We are entering the final implementation phase of the temporary Innovating Streets installation on Martinborough Square – we need you to vote for your favourite artwork.
Please view the artwork options and vote below! Alternatively, you can vote in person at the Waihinga Centre Saturday 26 June. If you wish to know how we got to where we are, please continue reading this after you’ve voted.
Background
Further to previous communication on this NZTA Waka Kotahi-funded ‘Innovating Streets’ project, we are making steady progress with realising our combined vision of reimagining how else we could use a public space. We have incorporated much of the practical suggestions from the earlier public feedback into the design of the proposed artwork and structures. The majority of responses were positive and open to an alternative look and feel. Not everyone’s feedback could be accommodated. Even if you are opposed to the idea, we hope you will experience it for yourself and start to appreciate how amazing artwork and creative structures can enhance a space once you experience it.
Purpose
The intention of this project is to engage the community in a more meaningful way by giving people the opportunity to imagine new ways of using a public space, encouraging greater engagement. The project is the first iteration of a process which aims to enliven and engage community spaces.
Benefits
This project increases the public use of this space, enabling it to be used by more members of our community. The installation will provide important passive safety measures and a traffic calming effect temporarily transforming the area into a destination zone rather than a car thoroughfare.
Progress to date
Boffa Miskell is project managing the construction. Construction and painting of the site will start later this month following a thorough clean of the area. The installation will utilise 7 parking spaces of the 60+ spaces around the square. This temporary installation, on the north-western side of the Martinborough Square, will give a physical talking point and offer one option for how the space could be used.
Ventana Collective engaged local school children to submit road artwork ideas. Martinborough resident artist Andy Shaw then incorporated their ideas into three designs above.
Andy Shaw said “The children came up with colour, shape, line and pattern ideas for each of the following: Mountains, Rivers, Dark Sky/ Stars, and Ocean – which can be found taking the roads leading from the square. I’ve drawn inspiration from the kid’s artwork to create these digital designs”.
These designs have been checked for their appropriateness for the space and we’re asking the public to pick their favourite design. Users of the area should be aware that construction and painting will start soon so please stay safe.
Voting will take place online from today and in person at the Waihinga Centre next Saturday 26 June. All voting closes on Sunday 27 June 2021.
Next steps
Following the implementation of the artwork and structure, we will continue to encourage feedback from the community on whether to change, improve or even remove the installation altogether.
We hope you will take the opportunity to experience this space for yourself when it is installed. Please provide feedback via our usual channels
Please submit any feedback, on any council issue here: https://swdc.govt.nz/feedback-form-2/
More information on Innovating Streets Martinborough https://swdc.govt.nz/innovating-streets/
More information on Waka Kotahi NZTA Innovating Streets projects: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roads-and-rail/innovating-streets/
