In June we reported on work about to begin in Dunedin’s Warehouse Precinct to further enhance this urban area’s attractiveness and heritage value.

The main design focus was to transform Jetty Street from a dark, unsafe thoroughfare beneath an overbridge into a vibrant, people-focused pedestrian area in a way that unveils layers of the site’s history and encourages new uses. New uses were indeed witnessed at the Vogel Street Party in October, which served as a ‘grand opening’. Despite the rain, locals and visitors enjoyed dancing, music and creative lighting displays in the new public space.

Along with new paving, lighting and plantings, creativity and Dunedin’s local spirit are embedded throughout the design. One element to note is a new feature wall, which is the result of collaborative efforts between the Dunedin City Council, local artist Stuart Griffiths, Zeal Steel and Oasis Greenery Systems. Giving a nod to the site’s history, the new wall is fashioned from re-purposed historic ship parts and ‘living’ green wall sections. As would be the case if old riveted plates were stored in a wrecker’s yard, greenery would eventually make its way through gaps to intermingle with the steel. In itself a natural process of regeneration (and in this instance on Jetty Street), the greenery is a symbol of rejuvenation and reinforces the new life embraced in this repurposed streetscape.

Nearby, and resulting from the same artistic collaboration, is a new community recycling centre which continues the site’s narrative of regeneration. It features symbols from John McIndoe’s Proof Correction Guide and references the site’s industrial history, which included a flourishing print industry in addition to wool classing and stock and station agents.