Stairway to art heaven

By BERNARD ORSMAN

Artist Billy Apple has been commissioned to design a staircase to open up Khartoum Place, linking Lorne St to the Auckland Art Gallery.

The proposed staircase by the conceptual artist is part of a $4.5 million revamp of the cultural Lorne St area, nestled between Auckland University, Albert Park, the city's main art gallery, New Gallery and numerous private galleries.

Turning Khartoum Place, a well-used but dark and damp area, into a strong urban space is a key.

Apple, noted for turning the business of art into art, has been commissioned by the Auckland City Council. The staircase will link the lower level of Khartoum Place up to the art gallery and Albert Park above.

His idea is for high sloping walls with seven sets of seven steps that people will be able to move up and down, or sit and contemplate the public sculpture.

But council planners say the proposal raises questions about what happens to a tiled artwork by Jan Morrison and Claudia Pond-Eyley commemorating the centenary of women's suffrage in 1993 and a separate water feature, built in 1983. Then there are two large London Plane trees at the bottom of Khartoum Place, a large Pin Oak on the upper level facing Kitchener St and a lack of sun.

As well as refurbishing Khartoum Place, the draft plan includes a Wellesley St pedestrian crossing to the central library where spaces will be created to encourage outdoor activities.

More trees on Lorne St and Wellesley St, paving and kerbstones and improved lighting to create a safer, more welcoming environment for pedestrians are planned. The upper part of Lorne St will become a one-way street with drop off zones and short-term parking outside the Auckland University of Technology.

The plan covers the length of Lorne St, Rutland St, Wellesley St East, Kitchener St and Khartoum Place. The council is seeking feedback before August 7. Copies of the plan are on display at the central library and available from the council on request.

The upgrade, designed by Architectus Bowes Clifford Thomson, is part of a 10-year vision for central Auckland, including a facelift for Queen St and Aotea Square and providing $20 million towards a $75 million upgrade of the Auckland Art Gallery.

Inner-city ratepayers are contributing $37 million as part of the city's CBD into the Future strategy, starting with an extra $52 fixed charge this year for apartment owners.