Historic and Modern Blend Wins Invercargill Central a Major Lighting Award
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Invercargill Central’s exterior lighting has been recognised with the 2023 NZ Chapter Award of Commendation from IES: The Lighting Society (IESANZ). This award celebrates the unique lighting design that includes innovative solutions for each preserved architectural façade, such as the Southland Times, Cambridge, and Coxhead buildings on Esk Street, and the feature lighting representing the Southern Lights on the Tay Street side.
Project Director, Geoff Cotton, expressed his pride in receiving the award, stating, “Evan and the team at Cosgroves have understood and embraced the significance of this project for Invercargill and its part in the transformation of our central business district.
This award acknowledges the considered work of the team, maintaining the historical integrity of our city whilst also embracing innovative design to meld the old with the new.”
The lighting scheme, a collaborative effort by Cosgroves, Buchan Group, and Energylight, extends across almost two entire city blocks, transforming Invercargill Central’s streetscape and balancing the heritage and contemporary façades with a dynamic lighting display.
Evan Owens, Associate Electrical Engineer at Cosgroves and lead on the project, shared his enthusiasm for the Tay Street façade’s lighting. He said, “The Tay Street feature provided unique challenges.
Being a New Zealand based manufacturer, we were able to work closely with Kaynemaile, experimenting with different colours of mesh and the impact of lighting on them to find a way to successfully pay tribute to the Southern Lights.
It was crucial to strike a balance between the functionality of the car park and safety for the users while allowing the dynamic lighting display to shine. We think the final result is pretty special, paying homage to the unique natural wonders found in Southern New Zealand.”
Invercargill Central has been opening in stages since July 2022, with thirty-eight stores currently operational, including nine eateries and anchor tenants like Farmers and Reading Cinemas. Additionally, JB Hi-Fi is expected to open in January 2024.