7 September 2021
Drews Avenue in Whanganui is enjoying a fresh look and more visitors, thanks to an Innovating Streets town centre regeneration project. The area’s a hub for the city’s young creatives, but it was underused and overdue for some love.
Innovating Streets projects help councils trial changes aimed at encouraging more people to move around in ways that are better for their health and the environment.
In 2021, the community participated in workshops to share ideas on how to make their town centre more magnetic. The top ideas were to:
To bring these ideas to life around 20 parking spaces were transformed with planting and platforms that can be used for cafe seating or as stages for events.
The look and feel of the area was also revamped in a way that’s chic and distinctively Whanganui – with installations by local artists and upcycled lighting made from electric insulators. An eye-catching street mural by local artists Cecelia Kumeroa and Jodi Clark reflects nearby architecture and the story of Pukenamu.
Street mural by local artists Cecelia Kumeroa and Jodi Clark.
The new structures and street art are helping to slow traffic, which is key to encouraging more people to walk and explore the city centre.
A new discovery trail also invites the curious to explore, with historic photos, outdoor musical instruments and a phone that tells stories of the area from the early days to today.
A launch party in June 2021, celebrating the improvements, tied in with the annual Lights on Bikes ride to become one of the biggest events in town – attended by over 1,000 people.
Lights on Bikes.
More features will be added to Drews Avenue over summer 2021/21 as new businesses move in. Plus, a new Innovating Streets project has launched one street over on Victoria Avenue – doubling down on creating a fresh feel in Whanganui’s downtown area.
During these trials the community gets to see how the new designs fit for them and share what they like and what they don’t, so tweaks can be made over time. Insights gained will help the council decide whether to make parts of the design permanent when the trials end.
As part of the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme, $30 million will be invested on a range of new Innovating Streets community projects across the country.
Innovating Streets Programme
2021–24 NLTP Manawatū/Whanganui regional summary
