Take a walk on the wild side

Published on 29 May 2018

29 May 2018

The latest addition to Castlecliff’s Rangiora Street is a pedestrian crossing, with a three-dimensional twist.

Creating the crossing, which was painted by local artist Dan Mills, was a real community effort, says Cr Jenny Duncan, Deputy Mayor.

“My friend and local photographer, Gail Imhoff emailed me an image of a 3D crossing and I loved it so much I sent it to the Council’s Senior Roading Manager Rui Leitao. Rui said he had seen pictures of similar crossings elsewhere and he was also interested in doing something like this in Whanganui,” says Cr Duncan.

As drivers approach the crossing, it appears to float above the road three dimensionally, because of the optical illusion created by the artist. “Even though the crossing is something different, it is still a legal crossing and will help calm traffic at the beach end of Rangiora Street. We will put up signage soon telling people a crossing is coming up, so they know to expect it,” says Mr Leitao.

Progress Castlecliff Facilitator Jamie Waugh says the crossing is another step in Castlecliff’s rejuvenation, which has been successful because of partnerships. “The vision for Progress Castlecliff is to realise the potential for Castlecliff to benefit the entire Whanganui District from a social, economic, cultural and environmental perspective.

“To do this we need to utilise all the resources we have such as talented and engaged locals, enthusiastic councillors and officers with a “can do attitude”, driven local businesses, and passionate charitable organisations. This 3D crossing represents this kind of magic.”