15 August 2014

High Street hoarding captures history

Christchurch’s inner city High Street has been transformed with an historic hoarding commemorating the central city’s early days.

Design and manufacturing company Scenic Solutions constructed the 49 metre long façade as part of the Council’s High Street Transitional Project.

The 2.4metre tall hoarding, which runs along High Street between Cashel and Lichfield streets, captures the rich history of the inner city, with images from early Maori through to late twentieth century Christchurch.

Council Urban Design and Regeneration Unit Manager Carolyn Ingles says the project creates a link between past and present.

“The hoarding, as part of the wider High Street Transitional Project, is about reconnecting with the past and looking towards the future. It captures the importance of High Street as a pedestrian route and hub for trade, hospitality and transport. Hopefully people walking through High Street will welcome this new addition and stop to view the impressive images.”

Designer Mark McEntyre, worked with Scenic Solutions on the project and drew inspiration from landscape architect Di Lucas and Zoe Roland of Heritage New Zealand.

“The design aims to capture High Street’s rich history. Some of the images showcase the natural landscape like the totara tree, Aoraki, eels and geckos. This contrasts with panels showing gothic architecture of early European structures and late twentieth century references to businesses that operated on High Street.”

A range of materials including plywood, Perspex and wire were used to construct the panels.

The hoarding is one element of the Council’s High Street project, part of a transitional programme of work to support Christchurch’s recovery and attract people and businesses back to the city. Further elements will be completed over the coming weeks including artwork, landscaping, a visitor centre, seats and traffic calming.

ENDS

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