Selby roundabout sculpture scheme a step closer
A planned makeover for two roundabouts on major ‘gateways’ into Selby has moved a step closer this week after a key vote by Council leaders.
Selby
Council Chiefs will now prepare an application to seek permission from its own planning department for the project which it is reported could see around £50,000 invested into sprucing up key routes into the town.
The Council says the aim of the project is to help celebrate the town’s history, reflect our shared cultural heritage and welcome visitors to the town.
The gateways project is set to include new ‘iconic’ sculptures on two roundabouts of the Selby bypass. The design of the sculptures having been the subject of a public consultation exercise earlier in the year.
Executive member Cllr John Mackman said, “We are a step closer to achieving our overall purpose of improving these important gateways to our town, which will provide a more welcoming appeal to residents and visitors to our district.
“We want to build pride in the area, which will have a knock-on benefit in terms of investment and potentially jobs in the area too. The project forms a key part of the District Council's Programme for Growth and is a commitment by the Executive to improve the image of the area and providing a more welcoming appeal for residents and visitors alike.”
Three Swans
Once completed, the sculptures will be put on display on the roundabouts at the junction of the A63 and A1041 on Bawtry Road and where the A63 and A19 meet on Doncaster Road.
One installation will be in the form of the main West window in Selby Abbey and will feature the symbolic “Three Swans of Selby” flying towards the town (as shown below). This piece will help draw the attention of visitors to the Abbey as well as the historic town of Selby itself.
The second will take the shape of a ship's hull, representing the ship building industry which once kept the Ouse thriving and will also feature the three flying swans.
Each structure will be five metres high and constructed in an approved metal. Safety has been a key issue during the design process and a number of meetings have been held with highway engineers from North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) to ensure the statues comply fully with safety requirements.
The Council is partnering with Groundwork North Yorkshire – the organisation who created the Scott Road Community Puddle Pond – who will manage and run the project.
It is expected that the plans will be considered at a planning committee meeting early in the New Year.
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