Dunedin’s arts community will have the chance to put its stamp on the refurbished Ross Creek Reservoir, in a unique joint arts and engineering project.
Dunedin City Council has called for submissions from artists, designers and/or creative groups to provide a ‘‘creative vision’’ for Ross Creek, as engineering work to refurbish the historic city reservoir approaches completion.
The creative vision for the project, budgeted at up to $100,000, will include a new public art work, landscaping, community amenities, pathway treatments and a new pedestrian footbridge.
Council arts community adviser Cara Paterson said the project was part of the council’s policy of incorporating art into its projects, under the Ara Toi arts strategy and Te Ao Turoa environment strategy.
DCC 3 Waters Ross Creek refurbishment engineering project manager Camilla Bennett said the proposal was ‘‘very open’’, and the project was unusual for council’s engineers, whose work was usually hidden underground.
‘‘Things like landscaping and walls were going to go in anyway, so this is a great opportunity to think outside the engineering box.’’
The creative vision will apply to the area around the rebuilt dam face of Ross Creek Reservoir, which has involved massive earthworks.
Ms Bennett said archaeological work at the historic Ross Creek Reservoir site had uncovered many artefacts, including redundant pipe-work, which could be used in the creative concept.
Ms Paterson said the overall creative vision/ design ethic was the first step for submitters, who must also demonstrate the ability to deliver the project on time and on budget.
Submissions close on July 30.
Shortlisted respondents will be invited to give presentations to an evaluation panel next month, and a year-long contract will be awarded in September.
For information, email project procurement lead Lorna Hayward: Lorna.Hayward@dcc.govt.nz
