Luggate has new welcome signs, which feature the Red Bridge and showcase the village’s history. 

Luggate Community Association (LCA) chair Graeme Perkins said the old signs were past their best so the decision was made a couple of years ago that it was time for new signs. 

After a lengthy and complicated permissions process, the signs were finally installed a few weeks ago. 

The Red Bridge features front and centre: “The Red Bridge here is one of the big features of Luggate that is associated with the town,” Graeme said.

Graphics of the Red Bridge were created during the centenary celebrations five or so years ago, and the design went on to be used on some children’s books and other bits and pieces, Graeme said.

“Someone had the bright idea to use those graphics to freshen up the ‘welcome to Luggate’ signs,” he said. 

Graeme enlisted the help of his son, graphic designer Kerry Perkins, to “adapt that original logo of the bridge and refashion it into what you see on the signs now”.

There are three signs, one each at the entrances to Luggate village and one at the approach to the Red Bridge.

The final sign design is a strong black, white and red design with historical influences, reading ‘Luggate: Home of the Red Bridge’.

There were a few more details on the original sign design, Graeme said, like birds and waves, but during the permissions process some of those details had to be removed. 

It was one of the many hurdles in a process that was remarkably complicated, with permissions by multiple agencies required, Graeme said. “I nearly gave up about 100 times.”

Despite the headaches along the way, Graeme said he was very pleased with the final product: “Everyone seems happy with it,” he said. 

Three signs have been installed, one at each end of the Luggate township and another at the approach to the Red Bridge. 

The final bill for the cost of the new signs hasn’t arrived yet, but it will be funded by the Luggate Community Association. 

PHOTOS: Wanaka App