City street gets funky new look with art
THE final touches to the Ruthven St streetscape upgrade have been added with the installation of public artworks.
The completion of the project brings an end to suffering for businesses in the northern CBD.
The project included changes to parking bays, new landscaping and new footpaths.
Toowoomba Regional Council was forced to amend its plans for the project in October last year after opposition from the community.
When the project, started four business owners affected by the plans said the closure would hurt their businesses, compounding losses after the 2011 floods and other roadworks.
What’s new
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the specially-designed decorative metal trees would become a focal point for northern Ruthven St.
“The eye-catching design fits in with our Garden City image and will provide an iconic entrance to the CBD and an attraction in its own right for visitors,” Cr Antonio said.
“Specialist design company Urban Art Projects collaborated with council and artist Richard Sweeney to design, fabricate and install a sculptural arbour.
“Richard’s artwork concept is based around flowers, trees, growth patterns and pollen textures to create three artworks titled ‘Floral 2017’ that provide a gentle canopy of petals atop a series of free-standing branch structures.
“Tree-like in appearance, but with a soft floral feel, the works are made from rolled and hand-beaten aluminium and automotive paint finish.”
Cr Antonio said the public art was an important part of the upgrade.