APRIL FOOLS! The Dunedin City Council is considering renaming Anzac Ave Ed Sheeran Ave as a lasting monument to the singer's spectacular impact on the city.
A council spokesman said the $8350 mural was not enough.
"Renaming a street would give Dunedin a lasting monument to Ed long after the mural paint has faded," he said.
Sheeran's impact on the city was huge - his visit had been estimated to bring $34 million to the Dunedin economy during his stint - and the council needed to recognise that.
Renaming Anzac Ave was "perfect" because it was so close to Forsyth Barr Stadium, where Sheeran had wowed so many fans.
Asked if it was appropriate to rename Anzac Ave, the spokesman said it was "fine" and they could just rename another street after the Anzacs, with Ethel Benjamin and Emily Siedeberg Pl among options.
Among other options that were considered to permanently mark the Sheeran visit were painting Forsyth Barr Stadium orange, renaming a suburb after him and creating an annual holiday.
"The best thing about renaming Anzac Ave is that it will only cost $10,000," he said.
A final decision on renaming the street would be made at noon today.
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Nicely done ODT, you had me for a minute:)
Come on DCC, this is cringeworthy. The mural was bordering on a bridge too far, but this is just ridiculous. Think about how it looks to the outside world too. Are we that honoured and blown away that someone would come to our city that we have to go to these lengths?
Don't get me wrong, I'm no Ed hater. Far from it in fact. But if i was Ed, I'd feel pretty awkward and it'd make me think twice about coming back.
Ha Ha. 1 April
You got to be a bit more original than that ODT.
I wasn't born yesterday, many years ago today in fact so I am well accustomed to the April fools joke.
I'm hoping the Speight's has beer connected up to the external tap on Rattray Street again.....
Oops, it's April 1st isn't it? Ha, good one. Quite believable though given DCC's Ed-mania!
You had me for about 10 seconds.
Anzac Avenue commemorates those New Zealanders and Australians who fought and died in the world wars. They should continue to be so treated, by a major highway's name.
Ed Sheeran worship is a passing fad, who will mean less as time goes by, just as Bing Crosby and Gracie Fields hav faded from our recognition as major contemporary stars.