Birkenhead town centre’s streets are now safer and more inviting for pedestrians and motorists thanks to a major upgrade to its lighting systems.
The joint project between the Birkenhead Village Business Association, Kaipātiki Local Board and Auckland Transport was completed in late September.
“The old heritage style globe lights in the town centre had been in disrepair for years with some broken and others producing lights of different shades,” explains Local Board Chair John Gillon.
“Local businesses had been asking for something to be done about this for years, so the board is happy to have worked out a solution we are all happy with to see the improvements in the town centre become a reality.”
The upgrades include:
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New globe lights in a similar heritage style to the previous models, maintaining the town centres character but with efficient LED bulbs offering a range of colours and tones.
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Ten-metre-high LED column lights, dramatically improving visibility, safety and security for local business, motorists and for pedestrians at night. The columns have been painted black, so they don’t distract from the town centre’s aesthetic.
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Renewal of twelve four-metre streetlights with LED bulbs and new locations to improve safety for larger vehicles.
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Updated infrastructure and underground cables to futureproof all lighting in the town centre.
Birkenhead Town Centre Manager Kae Condon says the Business Association is rapt with the upgrades.
“They are a real enhancement for the ambiance of Birkenhead Village that creates both a welcoming and secure safe environment for our customers and businesses. It's a timely improvement for the town centre and the businesses so big thanks to the board for their work making this happen.
Like many town centres across New Zealand, businesses in Birkenhead were hit hard by the lockdowns and the current economic downturn. So, to be able to turn the lights on in time for Christmas brings cheer and a smile to us all. Thank you to our fabulous local board who listened and made it happen.”
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