Inner-city lane brought to life

A Palmerston North alleyway, connecting two main streets, is going from dingy and dark to vibrant and light.

Berrymans Lane, between Broadway Ave and Main St, is so well-used that the Palmerston North City Council thought it needed a spruce-up to make it safer.

On Saturday, seven artists were let loose with an array of colours and designs, each bringing their own flair to the lane. An eighth artist painted his design on Friday.

Coming from Wellington, Palmerston North, Ashhurst and Whanganui, all the artists have some connection to Palmerston North.

Jordan Debney, who grew up in Palmerston North, but now lives in Wellington, said the opportunity was too good to pass.

Debney’s design is a geometric butterfly, which represents evolving and growing.

He hoped his psychedeliccoloured design would give people something to appreciate when walking down the alleyway.

‘‘When I first turned up this morning there were a lot of people aimlessly walking up and down. It was a bit eerie.

‘‘I’m hoping the artwork will lift that eeriness.’’

Debney mainly designs prints for clothing brand ALC Apparel, but occasionally does street art.

Ashhurst’s Carl Roberts transformed his blank canvas into a frog that represents one of his New Zealand idols, musician Bullfrog Rata.

His aim was to encourage a positive attitude when out experiencing the city’s nightlife.

Roberts is studying to be a primary school teacher, but works on street art as a hobby.

The artists were approached by city council planner Keegan Aplinthane after officials noticed that many people relied on the alleyway to get to Broadway Ave eateries.

‘‘We are hoping people will feel more comfortable.’’

Lighting will also be installed by the end of the year.

Aplin-thane drew inspiration from alleyways in Wellington that have undergone similar improvements.

Beats by DJ Dirty Hairy, also known as Matt Davies, were playing and the Evil Stepson food truck was also there.