Friday, 16 March 2018

Collaboration creates a masterpiece in Upper Hutt

Upper Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council yesterday celebrated the official opening of a vibrant outdoor art space at Upper Hutt Station.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 16 MAR 2018—Upper Hutt Mayor—Wayne Guppy, Greater Wellington Regional Councillor—Paul Swain, and Hutt Valley artist—Chimp have together officially opened the colossal mural which runs throughout the pedestrian accessway between Upper Hutt Station and commuter parking on Goodshed Road. The mural is a collaborative project between the local and regional councils. It mimics the look and feel of an open air art gallery and provides an attractive gateway to the Upper Hutt city centre and regional commuter network.

Upper Hutt City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council have been working together for several years to improve the overall commuter and visitor experience at Upper Hutt Station. Projects such as building the new station, upgrading the accessway steps, installing CCTV cameras and lighting, and adding free commuter parking on Goodshed Road have all contributed to an enhanced commuter experience.

“This mural is an exciting addition to our dynamic city,” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy. “It’s the icing on the cake of many years of collaboration, investment, and improvements in infrastructure at Upper Hutt Station. We’re really excited about it!”

Hutt Valley artist, Chimp became a permanent feature at the station over the last few months as he worked day and night in the space during one of the region’s warmest summers. The design brief included celebrating Upper Hutt’s city vision—‘Life. Leisure. Live it!’ and showcasing the city’s natural beauty.

“Feedback from the public has been really positive,” says Chimp. “I’m really pleased with the overall look and feel that’s been created in the space which is my largest project to date.”

Upper Hutt Station hosts approximately 1,100 train passengers every day, along with hundreds of bus passengers. Large numbers of other users travel through the accessway which provides a vital link between several important landmarks and attractions, including Maidstone Park, city centre shopping, big-box retail, Ōrongomai Marae, H2O Xtream aquatic centre, Expressions Whirinaki Arts and Entertainment Centre, and the growing number of craft breweries—all within a short walking distance.

“The train station has been a wonderful success story for Upper Hutt and this new mural, depicting the joys of living in our community is a fantastic addition. I’m sure it will put a smile on the faces of many train passengers for many years to come,” says Greater Wellington Regional Councillor, Paul Swain.

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