Stable door open to
ideas
The community will get to have their say on the public art which
is to be installed in the Horsefair, Kidderminster.
A public meeting is being organised by Wyre Forest District
Council. All Councillors, stakeholders and the community will be
invited to give their views on the design concept.
Funding for the public artwork was provided by Cox Homes, which
has been involved in redevelopments in the Horsefair and town
centre. The Council invited artists to tender for the
project. The brief included a requirement for the
installation to reflect the area, be safe, durable, deter
anti-social behaviour and provide lighting. The authority chose a
design concept by the artist, Finn Stone, who came up with the idea
of a larger than life size illuminated horse sculpture made of
durable materials.
The art project is part of a much larger Rewyre regeneration
project within the town. The idea of an illuminated horse
ties in with the project's plans to enhance and light the gateways
to the town.
Councillor Marcus Hart, Wyre Forest District Council's Cabinet
Member for Community and Partnership Services said,
"The Council is committed to involve communities in decisions
which affect them. The horse design is a concept – it is not
a done deal. The plan has always been to ask for views once
the concept was chosen. We are pleased that so many people
are interested in the project and welcome their ideas."
Councillor Howard Martin, Broadwaters Councillor and leader of
Independent Community and Health Concern said,
"This is very good news and, ultimately, a sensible decision by
the Council. Ward Members met with the Cabinet Member, Marcus Hart
and officers last week. We had a full and frank discussion
regarding our concerns about the process used and also the concerns
of the community, which has resolved many of the issues. We are
pleased there is to be a public meeting where this project can be
openly debated. There is much local interest and it is important to
take on board the views of local people in this matter.
We do wish that this had been done earlier but that is history
and we now want to move on and all work together to continue to
improve the Horsefair for the benefit of all."
Date of issue: 16th February
2010