Upper Hutt to welcome with new iconic gateway sign

A new sculptural gateway sign is to be installed on State Highway 2, to welcome road users to the city of Upper Hutt.

UPPER HUTT, Wellington NZ, 05 NOV 2014—Upper Hutt City Council is pleased to present the concept drawings for a new iconic welcome sign that will be erected on State Highway 2 (SH2) at Silverstream. The sculpture will announce your arrival into the city and provide an attractive welcome for visitors. It acknowledges the identity of the city by showcasing what our community know and love – our environment, the fantail, the river, and creative expression.

“This project has been on the horizon for some time, having been requested by our public when we consulted on the Long Term Plan, so it’s wonderful to see it coming close to fruition.” says Upper Hutt Mayor, Wayne Guppy.

The new gateway sculpture, which will be 6 meters high and 14 meters wide, represents a glorious fantail nestled upon river rocks. It recognises the fact that Upper Hutt has a long-standing relationship with the piwakawaka, or pied fantail, with the bird featuring on many local mediums including street signs and the city badge. The badge, which is part of the city’s coat of arms, was granted by the College of Arms in 1978.

The concepts were designed to pay homage to the rich natural environment of the area. The sculpture includes the words ‘Upper Hutt’ and will be situated slightly southwest of the SH2 slip road that houses an information kiosk, which introduces visitors to the city and highlights it’s many attractions.

Council expects to finalise the pricing and appoint a contractor for the project prior to Christmas with a view to have the installation completed in the first quarter of 2015.

An image accompanies this media release

Upper_Hutt_Gateway_Sign_Concept.jpg: Proposed concept that Upper Hutt City Council has approved for installation on SH2.

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