The town, about six weeks away from celebrating the 150th anniversary of the discovery of gold at nearby Gabriels Gully, now boasts a tall, double row of heritage-style lampposts, complete with underground wiring, in the main street.
But one of those tall posts has been the centre of much public discussion in recent weeks, as it has been erected through a hole cut in the veranda of one of the town's historic Ross Pl buildings.
In a report to yesterday's Lawrence-Tuapeka Community Board meeting, the Clutha District Council's area engineer John O'Neill said the installation of the lamp post had "been the cause of some public concern.
"At the time of installation, negative comment was received from members of the public," he added.
The placement of the post was a "function of the spacing required by the agreed lighting design", which met New Zealand Transport Agency standards for highway lighting.
The eye-catching pole was expected to be debated at yesterday's meeting, but failed to generate much comment.
Chairman Geoff Davidson said after the meeting he understood the lamp post was "staying there.
"It's certainly been a talking point," he conceded.
The building, formerly a shoe shop, is understood to be owned by Invercargill teacher Robyn Hickman, who could not be contacted for comment last night.
But Mr Davidson said Mrs Hickman has been in email contact with the council and "doesn't seem to have an issue with it'.
The lamppost is part of a $358,000 streetscape upgrade project, in time for March's goldrush celebrations, and was installed by Otago Power Services.
Mr O'Neill's report notes the contractor is still to complete repairs to the veranda including the waterproofing of the area around the post.
Ross Pl business owner Liz Forbes, of O'Lea Home Collection, said the lampposts initially caused consternation among some local residents, who felt they were too tall for the historic street.
"There was also a little problem with one having to go through the veranda of a building that's not in use, because of the spacing of them. But they do look lovely at night time."
The 150th anniversary celebrations will be held over Otago Anniversary weekend, from March 18 to 21.
