20 May 2016

When the Wharenui Recreation Centre reopens in July it will have an eye-catching new addition - a colourful Kiwiana-themed mural.

The mural is the work of internationally renowned street artist Dcypher (a.k.a. Guy Ellis) who hails from Christchurch but is currently based in Los Angeles where he works full-time as a muralist.

Dcypher was lured back to Christchurch to paint the Kiwiana-themed mural by Oi YOU! director George Shaw, who recently organised the successful Spectrum Art Festival at the YMCA.

Mr Shaw said Dcypher was one of the country's foremost street artists and had done some amazing work in the United States, including for major television shows like Sons of Anarchy.

"He's a bit of a Christchurch legend as far as street art is concerned and we're really lucky to have him back here to do this amazing mural,'' Mr Shaw said.

"Dcypher loves Christchurch and was pleased to have the opportunity to come home, see his folks, and do something lovely for the city that is so special to him.''

Dcypher's mural is being painted on the west side of the Wharenui Recreation Centre, which has been closed since February 2011. The centre is being repaired and strengthened to 100 per cent of New Building Standard and is due to reopen to the public on July 1.

Before its closure the Wharenui Recreation Centre, in Elizabeth St, Riccarton, was a popular location for members of the public and local schools for basketball, exercise classes, badminton and martial arts.

Riccarton-Wigram Community Board Chair Mike Mora said the community had missed their recreation centre and were looking forward to its reopening.

The addition of a colourful mural on the side of the building would make the recreation centre stand out and add character to the facility.

"We're very lucky to have had someone of the calibre of Dcypher working on the mural and I'm sure it will become a real asset for Riccarton,'' Mr Mora said.