17 June 2005

Wingate Work Commences

Work has commenced on improving the entry to Wingate, one of the city's key industry areas.

City Development Manager Gary Craig said that a contract for the design of iconic signage structures and improved landscaping at the main entry to the Wingate industrial area has been signed.

"Work to beautify this key manufacturing area of the Hutt will involve new landscaping treatment at both the High Street roundabout to Wingate and at the main southern entry to Wingate," said Gary Craig.

"The work forms part of the Wingate Development Plan, a long term development plan for the Wingate industrial area, a joint project of Council and local businesses aimed at attracting new businesses into the area."

A large iconic structure, representative of the innovative and creative manufacturing industries that the area is becoming well known for will be placed at the main southern entry, with a smaller sign in the same theme placed on the High Street roundabout. The design of the structures involved significant input from a dedicated group of local businesspeople in the area.

Ewart Anderson, Managing Director of Superior Industries and part of the Wingate Business Group said it was great to see work starting after a long period of planning.

"When we bought our building four years ago, it would be fair to say the area was fairly run down and uninviting. However, Council has been very supportive of our drive to improve the area's look, and the work many of the businesses are doing individually is giving Wingate a new direction and lease of life," said Ewart Anderson.

Future initiatives currently being developed are a Design Guide for businesses in the area to encourage business owners to upgrade the landscaping of their own properties in a coordinated way to maximise the impact of improvements undertaken, and planting of trees along the major roads.

Isthmus Group and Urban Perspectives have been involved in the design process. The landscaping works are being undertaken by Excel Corporation with Fraser Engineering constructing the signs.

Work should be completed in August 2005. In May 2003 Council approved $400,000 to be spent over three years to improve signage and the surrounding environment.

ENDS

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