Invercargill Streetscape

The Invercargill Central development is the culmination of the revitalisation project of the Invercargill CBD retail precinct.  The redevelopment breathes life back into Invercargill’s CBD with a large hub centred around food, hospitality, entertainment, and retail. As regional New Zealand suffered from COVID-19, Invercargill Central has become a catalyst for growth, revitalising the region after the challenging impacts of the pandemic.  Please note, this case study focuses on the outdoor streetscape element of the project. 

CHALLENGE

Bordering almost two entire city blocks the Invercargill central development offered the unique opportunity to transform the tired and rundown streetscapes.  Resource consent conditions required the Southland Times, Cambridge Arcade and Coxhead building heritage facades to be retained and incorporated into the new development.   

This streetscape upgrade is part of the wider master plan by Isthmus Landscape Architects. Stage 1 of the City Streets project focuses on reimagining Esk and Don Streets into beautifully crafted, well-connected streets for people of all ages and abilities, venues for life in the city. 

One of the biggest challenges faced in this project was the delivery of the custom poles seen in the images. We worked closely with Spunlight to ensure correct, excellent and on time delivery of the entire package of technical and aesthetically exceptional luminaires, which included custom poles. 

SOLUTION

The delivered solution focused on the safety, vibrancy and ease of passage within the streetscape. Low-glare was significantly important due to traffic and pedestrian use of the space. Low-glare equals high safety in streetscape spaces. Due to technically brilliant luminaires from ewo and lumenpulse, we were able to achieve high light levels for safe and visible passage through the streetscape, while minimising any dazzling light effects in the eyes of the communcity. 

A sense of play and vibrancy was also added to the space using RGB colour changing luminaires. This, contolled by casambi, can be changed, adapted and flow through different colours to create a sense of entertainment throughtout the central street.  

RESULT

This has been an incredible project to be a part of. In line with the city's image and identity, the lighting scheme was designed with the objective of highlighting the central street's distinct personality. The lighting result for the Invercargill Central development project not only fulfils functional requirements but also contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal and vibrancy of the city's central street.