New gateway lights were unveiled on Monday night in the Greek precinct of Lonsdale Street, Melbourne. The blue and white installation on the corner of Lonsdale and Russell streets, are made up of 144 colour-changing, sustainable LED lights that are strewn across the intersection and burn in the sky like stars.
In his speech on the night, Minister of multiculturalism Nicholas Kotsiras said these, “spectatular gateway lights [marked] the entry to the Greek precinct and [strenghtened] its identity.”
“Here on Lonsdale Street, Hellenic themed glass screens and awnings have revitalised the area’s iconic caefes and shops for locals and visitors to enjoy,” said Mr Kotsiras. “They are like anchors to history or Greek settlement and now markers to the future of Hellenic Australian identity.”
Melbourne Lord Mayor Robert Doyle said that “Lonsdale Street has been the symbolic heart of our Greek community for decades.
“The recent revitalisation of the Greek precinct pays homage to the Greek community whose influence and contribution continutes to enrich our city.”
The blue and white lights will light up the sky as a representative to the colours of the Greek flag.
The lighting installation was funded by the Victorian Government and the City of Melbourne through the Cultural Precincts Enchancement Fund.
It will rejuvenate the dining and entertaining experience on Lonsdale Street for all Victorians and visitors to the state to enjoy.