Guyton project breathes new life into historic central street

• Published date: 17 April 2024
• Author: Steve Carle
• Publication title: Whanganui Midweek

The new streetscape will feature parklet areas on each block, built around raised platforms. The parklets will include wooden planter boxes and seating made from recycled Whanganui port timber — as well as new cycle racks. The plantings will focus on hardy, native species that are well suited to the conditions on the street

Deputy Mayor Helen Craig, who chairs the Town Centre Regeneration Committee, says she’s delighted with the way the designs have come together — and the subtle way the new features tie in with built heritage along the street.

“Throughout the Streets for People co-design sessions, the community voiced a desire to see new life breathed into this historic Whanganui street to make it a greener, more vibrant, and more inviting destination. I think this design achieves that in a way that is sympathetic to the surrounding heritage values and the needs of the local businesses along Guyton St.”

She’s also excited by the diverse range of art that will soon adorn the street.

“Near the new parklet, vibrant artworks will be displayed in bespoke light boxes — acting as open-air galleries showcasing local artists,” she said. “The works will be refreshed on an ongoing basis.

“What’s more, designs by talented mana whenua artists from Te Rūnanga o Tupoho and Kaitoi o Tamaupoko will be displayed alongside heritage photography to transform the windows of untenanted shops into spaces for captivating visual storytelling.”

Whanganui & Partners’ Strategic Lead for Creative Industries, Dr Emma Bugden, says having indigenous art and design play...