Media release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Upper Hutt signposted for success

New gantry style signs are about to go up on State Highway 2, pointing the way to Upper Hutt’s city centre.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 21 MAY 2014—Two new signs—north-facing and south-facing—are to be erected on State Highway 2, close to the Gibbons Street intersection in Upper Hutt. Gibbons Street has long been the main exit off the highway for travellers to access Upper Hutt’s city centre but, until now, has not been so adequately signposted.

“We are delighted to finally have a city centre presence on State Highway 2,” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy. “We have been looking forward to this project and the exposure it gives our city centre to both north and southbound traffic.”

The signs will be posted above traffic in a typical gantry style fashion but will be cantilevered from the left side of the road at either end.

The project was identified as key in Upper Hutt City Council’s long term and annual plans. The project also represents a successful collaboration between Upper Hutt and the New Zealand Transport Agency who have jurisdiction over the state highway corridor.

The signs will be particularly welcomed by the local retail and tourism sector operators who see the signs’ potential to bring visitors to the region into the city centre precinct.

“Previously the signage on State Highway 2 was insignificant, with this bigger and bolder signage, hopefully, we can attract some of the passing business into the Upper Hutt city centre,” says Council’s Retail and Events Coordinator, Sarah Garnham. “For passing visitors it gives them access to our retail and hospitality industry, along with internet access and visitor information. For Upper Hutt it should translate into increased visitor numbers and therefore increased business in the city centre.”

Construction of the signs is expected to begin soon with the project slated for completion within the next 8 weeks. Weather is unlikely to be a mitigating factor in the progress of the build, notwithstanding any unforeseen conditions.

About Upper Hutt City Council

Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.

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