Works start imminent for Selby roundabout sculpture projects
Work to brighten up two key gateway routes into Selby is set to get underway from next week.
Selby
Selby District Council is preparing to get to work delivering its gateways project which will see two ‘iconic’ illuminated sculptures erected on roundabouts on the A63.
The two metal installations have been designed to pay homage to the town’s culture and rich heritage, drawing on inspiration from our industrial past and landmark buildings.
The first sculpture, to be installed at the Doncaster Road junction of the A63 and A19, will take the shape of the main West Window in Selby Abbey.
Featuring the symbolic ‘three swans of Selby’ flying towards the town centre, it is hoped that the piece will help highlight Abbey as Selby’s principle visitor attraction, as as well as the town itself.
The second piece, destined for Bawtry Road where the A63 meets the A1041, takes the shape of a ship’s hull and represents the tradition of Selby’s proud ship-building past that once thrived on the banks of the Ouse at Selby.
Both structures will be metal in construction and will stand at around five metres in height. They will be framed by new landscaping and planting and be illuminated by night.
Council Executive member Cllr John Mackman (Con, Monk Fryston & South Milford) said, “I’m very excited that this project has almost reached an end and I can’t wait to see the sculptures up on the roundabouts.
“They will help make the district more appealing and welcoming for both visitors and residents. We had very positive feedback from residents when we consulted with them on the designs earlier in the year and I believe the inclusion of the iconic Selby swans in the designs will help instil real pride within our community. Projects such as these which seek to improve the image of Selby will hopefully have a knock on benefit in terms of investment and potentially jobs in the area too.”
The sculptures were commissioned by the Council in partnership with Groundwork North Yorkshire.
Initial design work was funded by the Council who will also contribute 10% towards the cost of the work, understood to be in the region of £50,000. A majority of the project’s funding has come from through Drax and Eggborough power stations participation in the landfill communities fund scheme.
Weather permitting it is expected that construction work on the roundabouts will commence from Monday with initial plans to unveil the finished artwork by late November. An official opening event will be staged during December.