Mural to heal ‘severed’ district
City Councillor Bryan Pepperell has been vocal about how the changes have impacted on local business.
“It’s certainly caused a lot of problems for people in those heritage buildings, and I don’t think they’ve been given much consideration,” he says.
Pepperell is still hopeful about finding a solution.
“There’s been talk of car park alternatives or substitutes, but the businesses don’t consider them to be an adequate solution. We’re continuing to press for a compromise, but as the whole thing is reactive rather than proactive it’s proving to very testing.”
Kathy Smith decided to do something positive about it.
“The neighbourhood’s been a bit titchy; some shops feel they’ve had enough. So my idea was to do something to bring us together.”
She asked the Wellington City Council if they could use the wall surrounding the supermarket construction site, for a mural representing the small businesses in the area.
“We’re a little historic area that is dominated by a hospital, which certainly serves the community, but doesn’t involve it. It’s important for small business people to say, ‘hey, we’re still here’.”
Smith approached Te Whaea National Dance and Drama Centre, Stax Furniture, Hobsons Antiques, O’ Sushi and Naturalwear.
Celia Jenkins is marketing manager for the New Zealand School of Dance.
“We’ve been here for 10 years now and we’re really pleased to be involved with the community. The mural will have positive effects for people who run businesses round here,” she says.
Painted by Bruce Mahalski, the mural will have a 1920s theme, and include symbols from businesses in the area. The Ballroom Café will be represented by five stars and candles, as the building used to be the Five Star Ballroom.










Have Your Say
0 Comments
No comments.