BY CHRISTOPHER HARRIS
Springfield Plaza in Kings Cross needs some “joie de vivre” according to the President of the suburb’s Heritage Conservation Society, but not from the proceeds of any nefarious activities.
In August, the City of Sydney Council moved a motion to consult on how to activate the pavement near the Sugarmill Hotel to “improve the urban design and amenity of Springfield Plaza in Kings Cross”.
It is not the first time the area has been said to be rejuvenated.
In 2002, the idea of a “Tunnel of Love” installation which would “grace the pavement” was raised.
The Heritage society has written to council making recommendations for the design and consultation process to jumpstart the conversation.
“It’s important residents and ratepayers take back control of our public spaces for the public benefit,” Mr Woodhouse said.
While the “Tunnel of Love” idea was decidedly unloved by local residents, it is certainly not the first public art idea in the world cause controversy.
The City of Sydney last updated its public art policy in 2011.
It states the City is committed to creating a flourishing and outward looking environment, that communities can be proud of, and adding to the “poetic dimension” of the neighbourhood.
“Thriving art and culture are the great indicators of a city’s pulse and should have a palpable presence throughout the city,” the policy reads.
It states that the City’s economic and social wellbeing is intertwined with innovation and creativity, the richness and diversity of its cultural life.
“These connections provide the bonds that maintain the City’s identity and social cohesion in an era of constant change,” it says.
Peter McGregor was the architect behind the lights at Lane Kelly Place, and also designed the Tunnel of Love sculpture for Springfield Plaza but it was never built.
The concept design for the arch contained lights on the side, which faced the infamous strip clubs on Darlinghurst Road, and blank on the other side that faced nearby residences.
The piece was immediately controversial.
While the lights he designed for the nearby lane got installed, and came to be loved even by those who initially objected to them, the “Tunnel of Love” proved too controversial to be constructed.
Speaking to City Hub, Mr McGregor said the process of debate and ultimate rejection was a common occurrence for public art.
“The lane Kelly lights were much more immediately palatable, the community made the decision the lights were easy on the eye, the tunnel was a little more controversial.”
“The lighting could only be seen from the strip clubs. It was a colorful light and theatre of the strip, and from the residential side, it was a neutral silhouette, it was checking the flow, a punctuation mark, holding the space of the square.”
He said that public art was extremely important, and cited the strands of lights installed in the Kings Cross lane as responsible for the numerous restaurants and cafes which now occupy the lane.
“Good public projects can generate change, like a new rail line completely changes a neighborhood, redoing a lane can change that lane for good.”
He said that while all his work aimed to be generative, it often came up against human beings who were normally resistant to change.
“People are fearful, it is a natural human instinct, and we have to manage that change.”
“Sometimes people pander to the fear, more than they might allow for change, it is a very careful balance.”
“The city is full of change, that’s life,” he said.
