Kingsland streets ahead with spectacular sign

In a suburb known for its creative funky vibe it is perhaps no surprise Kingsland is leading the way with a signpost that reflects the artistic nature of this diverse and vibrant urban village. 

While many suburbs have no signage at all, Kingsland has installed a 5 metre high grit-blasted curved steel structure at the entrance to the village.

At the recent official unveiling, Auckland Councillor and Auckland Transport Board member Chris Fletcher said high level cooperation between both organisations was involved.

Auckland Council provided funding as a SLIP (Small Local Improvement Project) through Albert-Eden Local Board, with a brief to create a sense of arrival for both pedestrians and motorists.

For its part, Auckland Transport agreed to installation of the gateway marker in road reserve adjacent to the rail corridor at the intersection of New North and Sandringham Roads.

‘The steel shows Kingsland’s urban grittiness as well as linking with the early rail and tram  connections that provided a catalyst for its development,“  says Christine Foley, Kingsland Business Society manager.

‘We are really grateful the Council had the vision to allow Kingsland the chance to make a bold statement about our identity.

‘We also appreciate how well crafted the work is, plus that concepts, design and manufacture were all done in Auckland.’

The structure features the distinctive Kingsland logo laser-cut from corten steel and then backed with a formed opal acrylic panel.  Space behind the panel contains LED strip lighting which activates by light sensor at nightfall.

This is the first stage in a series of projects to develop the Kingsland environment, which will also include scoping the winning entry from the recent Urban Design Competition relating to the area outside Trinity Church.

Local businesses are really pleased that the sign is so visible to people driving along New North Road and already visitors to the suburb have been seen lining up for a photo opportunity  beside the distinctive sign.

ENDS

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