A new flock of six shining stainless-steel birds in flight, featuring colourful inlaid glass and engravings celebrating local heritage, has been installed in Poole.
Situated on West Quay Road, between the two bridges at Barber Piles, the West Quay Wings art installation is the first of two landmark gateway sculptures planned for the Townside area.
During the day the birds in flight sculpture will reflect both colour and light. Each bird is engraved with images representing different aspects of Poole’s history from boat building to maritime trade, chemistry, foundries, potteries and the lava lamp (the inventor of which was based in Poole).
Designed by the artist Michael Condron, the sculptures form part of BCP Council’s Townside and Hunger Hill infrastructure improvement scheme. Having already delivered a series of major improvements to local walking and cycling facilities, the final phase of this scheme is focused on celebrating the area’s unique history and creating a better environment for local people, businesses and visitors.
Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said:
“The West Quay Wings artwork will create a unique sense of identity, movement and intrigue along this key connecting route through Poole, catching the attention of residents and passers-by.
“Representing different aspects of Poole’s heritage, they will also invite people to find out more about their local area and explore it on foot or bike. This will complement the improved walking and cycling facilities that have already been introduced and contribute towards encouraging more sustainable travel locally.’’
Planned for this Summer, a second gateway sculpture will be installed at Hunger Hill. This piece will be in the form of a rope knot made from stainless steel and illuminated internally by LED lighting. At dusk, the effect will captivate onlookers with light subtly creeping through gaps in multiple overlapping metal segments. Together the gateway sculpture will become memorable and instantly recognisable local landmarks, creating a sense of arrival and departure.
In addition to these sculptures, contemporary wayfinding pieces and stylish street furniture is also being installed throughout Townside. Devised by David Pierce from Dallas-Pierce-Quintero, a high proportion of these pieces have been made locally in Poole or Dorset
The ideas and themes for the bespoke Townside artworks have been developed over a number of years and follow extensive engagement with residents, community groups, stakeholders, local historians and Poole Museum.
For more information, please visit: www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/TownsideandHungerHill
These activities are part of the multi million pound Townside and Hunger Hill infrastructure improvement scheme.
£9.6 million was provided by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, through the Dorset Growth Deal to deliver this scheme with £450,000 allocated specifically to create attractive public spaces which enhance the quality of life for local people.
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