Don’t forget to look up the next time you venture down the northern end of Hastings Street at night – the CBD’s heritage buildings are showing off their best features in a whole new light. New LED lights have been installed on the block between Tennyson and Browning Streets. The last little piece of work to be done is the removal of the street lights attached to the buildings, between 18 and 20 February, following the finale of the Napier Art Deco Festival. This will complete the current stage of the Hastings Street upgrade, with the roading and underground work finished in October in time for the 2018-19 cruise ship season. Designed by Palmerston North-based international lighting designer Venkatesh Kannan from Fifth Season, the facade lighting is controlled by a daylight sensor and turns on at the same time as the street lights. A city’s central business district is much more than just a place to work, says Fleur Lincoln, Strategic Planning Lead, Napier City Council. “We took this opportunity of a street upgrade to enhance this entertainment-hospitality-arts precinct with beautiful pavers, enhance the landscaping, and have now added the gorgeous facade lighting. With our great climate and beautiful surroundings, our city is made for enjoying in the evening hours as well as during the day. We hope locals and visitors enjoy the enhanced night-time streetscape.” Council is grateful to the owners of the buildings in the area for supporting the project. Kannan has also completed a design for Tennyson Street but the start date for its installation will depend on when funding becomes available. Photo: New facade lighting on Hastings Street at night. Posted: 14 February 2019