Burns Lane lights up in unique sensory experience
Published on 21 May 2021
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro has made a special visit to Burns Lane to experience the Living Laneways project that is transforming Singleton town centre.
Burns Lane is the latest in a series of five laneways that have become cultural spaces for people to sit, meet and be inspired under a $489,600 grant to Singleton Council proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Streets as Shared Spaces program from the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
A vibrant mural artwork was completed last month along with seating and planter boxes, ready for the installation of a canopy of media orbs on Monday 24 May ahead of the Firelight activation on Saturday 29 May.
The Tre Bella and Bourkes Arcade activations are complete, and next on the list is Evidence Lane and Soapsuds Lane.
Installation of the orbs is the final piece in the vision for Burns Lane. The orbs respond to the movement of people below them, lighting up and creating a sequence of patterns that change depending on how people move throughout the laneway.
The orbs will be operational from Friday 28 May to Sunday 30 May as a feature of the Firelight activation.
Mr Barilaro said Singleton is an incredible city and the NSW Government is proud to be supporting upgrades to the shared spaces.
“I love Singleton and will always stop in on my way through the Upper Hunter, as I know many people do,” Mr Barilaro said.
“These upgrades will be enjoyed by locals and will give people even more reason to visit this beautiful town, in turn supporting local shops and cafes, bringing money into the economy.”
Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore said the Living Laneways project was bringing people back into Singleton town centre with fresh eyes.
“The Living Laneways project is delivering exactly according to the NSW Government’s brief, which is to activate laneways as spaces for people to meet and gather,” she said.
“And it’s working. We saw how Shadowgram brought people together in a unique way to think about what they loved about Singleton.
“In the same way, the media orbs are a new and engaging sensory experience as people are captured in the vibrancy of colours and patterns.
“It’s a great reason to come into Singleton town centre over the five days the orbs will be working, and of course an even greater reason to be part of the Firelight activation when we’ll see live music on multiple stages, roving entertainment, fire dancers, food trucks, and wine and beer from Around Hermitage Pokolbin Hunter Valley.
“I’m pleased Mr Barilaro has had the opportunity to see what we’re doing in the laneways in Singleton, and the impact this program is having on our community.”
To comply with COVID requirements for the Firelight activation on Saturday 29 May, get your free tickets at http://tix.yt/firelight-2021
For more information about the Living Laneways project and other activations, visit singleton.nsw.gov.au
ENDS