17 December 2015

Moonshine accessway makeover in Upper Hutt

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 17 DEC 2015—A space once described by users as dark, creepy and scary is now being described as “awesome,” “colourful,” and “really cool” after receiving an injection of colour in the form of a youth inspired mural and a youth powered clean up.

The Moonshine Bridge pedestrian accessway is routinely used by students walking to and from nearby schools. It is also used by outdoor enthusiasts because of its close links to bush tracks, the Hutt River Trail, and Trentham Memorial Park.

Work on a mural began in late October with a design concept workshop involving Upper Hutt City Council, Hutt Valley artist—Chimp, and students from Fergusson Intermediate. On 7 December students saw their design concepts transform from pencil lines to painted mural as they worked alongside Chimp to install the art work. Each of the twelve students was assigned sections of the mural to paint under the careful tutelage of Chimp. A clean-up of the area led by Council Officer Denise Johnson saw Fergusson Intermediate students remove over 10 kilograms of rubbish from the accessway, its surrounding bush, and the water’s edge.

“This is one of a number of similar painted environment projects occurring in City accessways. These projects aim to beautify Upper Hutt, decrease graffiti, and increase the perception of safety within Upper Hutt,” says Council’s Director of Community Services, Mike Ryan. “The engagement and involvement of the community in designing and installing murals in public places is one of the main strengths of the project, because it is then also the surrounding community who take ownership of and pride in it.”

The Moonshine Bridge pedestrian accessway can be reached via the Kirton Drive entrance or by following the pedestrian footpath across Moonshine Bridge and taking the stairs down to the underpass.

“This is a mural worth seeing. I encourage Upper Hutt residents to take advantage of our long summer days and take a walk through this area,” says Council Officer, Denise Johnson.

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