Friday, 16 March 2018
Collaboration creates a masterpiece in Upper Hutt
Upper Hutt Mayor—Wayne Guppy, Greater Wellington Regional Councillor—Paul Swain, and Hutt Valley artist—Chimp
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.
ends