A massive concrete crater left behind by a failed business development is a ghastly view for the surrounding community. Sarah Turner reports on a new plan to improve the vista.
An Auckland eyesore will get a makeover in time for the Rugby World Cup if a Ponsonby business owner gets his way.
Mark Castle, owner of The French Art Shop, has sought permission from the Waitemata Local Board to surround the Soho Square development site with 32 murals.
"A group of us in the community are sick of looking at what is basically an ugly big hole," he said.
This 1.3ha site was initially going to be apartments and commercial space but The Ponsonby Mall Trust, a subsidiary of property developer Layne Kells, went into receivership in 2009.
According to Mr Castle, the now flooded site ruins the appeal of the neighbourhood.
"We were promised seven years ago that this would become a community space. Now all we have is what we've nicknamed the 'Grey Lynn Swimming Pool'," said Mr Castle.
He believed murals would bring colour to the area, hopefully inspiring some local pride.
The theme of the murals, he said, would be "The Colour of the Community" and represent the whole suburb.
The mural project was awaiting final agreement from the receiver before production starts.
Working with the Ponsonby Business Association, Mr Castle hoped to convince 16 local artists to paint a mural in their own individual style. The remaining 16 murals would be offered to community or school groups to complete.
Viv Rosenberg of the Ponsonby Business Association said she was waiting for final approval before joining the effort.
"Our involvement will only kick in if the project gets off the ground," she said.
Ms Rosenberg was reluctant to give any more information, although she did admit it would be nice if the project could proceed.
"From the community point of view, it [would] be amazing," she says.
How can we hide this from the tourists?
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