Spring into action for city spring clean

A mission to spring clean central Nelson is gathering steam ahead of springing into action this month.

The initiative came from the What If Whakatū Nelson series of talks last November to explore ideas to reinvigorate the central business district.

One of the ideas was what if we could spring clean the city? Spring Clean Whakatū Nelson will be put into action next month through self-generated projects led by central city businesses and other projects in common areas that people can sign up for.

Chairman of the What If Whakatū Nelson community taskforce Brian Riley said the response from property owners, retailers and hospitality venues so far had been extremely positive.

“People realise we are all in it together and if we want to keep a beautiful city we can all get stuck in,” he said.

Riley, an architect at Arthouse Architects, is walking the talk. He and staff from five creative businesses that share the Arthouse building in Haven Rd will clean up the scruffy lane behind the building during a workday next month.

Architect and artist Richard Sellars is coming up with a design for a roller door in the lane, currently covered in graffiti.

The Red Gallery, on the ground floor of the building, has planted spring flowers in boxes outside, and is installing a free little library.

Anne Rush, general manager of Make/Shift Spaces and one of the organisers of What If Whakatū Nelson said the spring clean was about tapping into the sense of ownership that people had for the city.

“It’s about encouraging everyone to make a small contribution, knowing that this will add up to a massive impact.”

As well as cleaning, there were projects to refresh and replant unused garden spaces, the installation of new artworks on walls and doors, and “generally sprucing the place up.”

The Nelson Chamber of Commerce and Uniquely Nelson were using their networks to spread the word, and Nelmac was on board with a number of projects.

Nelson Electricity Ltd is working with Arts Council Nelson to have mini murals painted on five link boxes around the city, and the Theatre Royal is planning a mini-mural for its lock box on Rutherford St.

For individuals and family and friend groups wanting to get involved, there will be a selection of projects for which people can register online at www.whatifnelson.co.nz

What if Whakatū Nelson… www.whatifnelson.co.nz

At the end of the campaign, there are plans for a community event to celebrate the work.

By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail

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