City makeover for Apec bash

Local artworks will give a fresh look to Downtown Auckland, reports NICK PERRY.

AUCKLAND - Derelict Britomart buildings will be transformed into visual showcases before President Bill Clinton arrives for Apec, under plans to clean up the city.

Auckland City councillor Victoria Carter wants the buildings to be spruced up with works by Auckland artists in time for Apec and the America's Cup.

The idea has won support from art consultant Hamish Keith and mayor Christine Fletcher. Mr Keith described the present state of the buildings as "unbelievably squalid and filthy."

"It's an important year for Auckland and we need to think about the face we are presenting."

Victoria Carter said she hoped to find $30,000 in private sponsorship to clean up the area and display art in shop windows. Paintings and models for attractions such as Motat and the Auckland Zoo could adorn the empty spaces.

Mr Keith has had a concept plan drawn up and will seek works from dealer galleries. Lights from the buildings would also help to make the street safer, he said.

Mrs Fletcher agrees murals could brighten the area and she hopes artists may be able to move into the buildings.

The council owns many of the buildings surrounding the downtown bus terminal and bought tenants out to clear the path for the stalled Britomart development.

Mrs Fletcher said getting the downtown area looking nice in time for the arrival of foreign dignitaries was a challenge.

The city was spending about $2 million on a pre-Apec spruce-up, although she hoped to recover at least some of the money from the Government.

The council will spend $130,000 on planting trees and flowers in the central business district and the Domain, $260,000 on removing graffiti and waterblasting footpaths and $330,000 on road and footpath maintenance.

Transit New Zealand is also chipping in with $300,000 to rid motorways of graffiti between Auckland Airport and the city.