'Iconic' gateway roundabout sculptures unveiled
Sculptures on two of Selby's 'key gateway' roundabouts have been hoisted into place in a bid to make routes into town more welcoming.
Selby
The roundabouts, both on junctions of the Selby bypass, now feature new 'iconic' artwork that celebrates the town's history and is designed to reflect our cultural heritage.
One installation takes the shape of the main West window in Selby Abbey. It features the symbolic three "swans of Selby" flying towards the town and representing the Holy Trinity. This piece will help draw the attention of visitors to the Abbey as well as the town itself.
The second is in the shape of a ship's hull in a nod to the town's proud tradition of ship building that once thrived upon the banks of the Ouse in Selby.
Each structure is five metres high and is constructed in an approved metal. Safety has been a key feature during the design process; the artwork pieces comply fully with safety requirements.
The project has been lead by Selby District Council who partnered with Groundwork to deliver the project. The majority of the funding for the makeovers came from Drax and Eggborough Power Stations through the Landfill Communities Grant Scheme.
For the Council, completion of the project marks the fulfilment of it's long stated aim to spruce up the town's oft-neglected approaches. They say the sculptures are part of what it calls a 'Programme for Growth' that will support new homes, jobs and boost quality of life in the Selby district.
Executive member, Councillor John Mackman,said, "Improving these key gateways to our town provides 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 demonstrates our commitment to improve the image of the area and provide a more welcoming appeal for residents and visitors alike".