|
Artists Present Exciting Ideas for Phase Two Public Works of Art for
Ropetackle Development, Shoreham-by-Sea
25th January 2005
 Local artists who have been selected to create innovative Phase Two public art works to complement Ropetackle, the South East England Development Agency's (SEEDA's) flagship site in Shoreham-by-Sea in West Sussex, developed in partnership with Berkeley Homes, presented their exciting initial designs today (Monday).
Artists Stephen Follen, John Mills and Steve Geliot, who are all from Brighton, and Teresa Martin from Shoreham-by-Sea, gathered in Shoreham this morning and using models, drawings and computer generated visuals, unveiled their visions for the final designs that are to be installed at the site later this year.
The Ropetackle scheme - at the heart of SEEDA's Shoreham Maritime regeneration strategy - is set to become a model for sustainable redevelopment of derelict sites in the region. At the centre of the development is a new town square, linked to a series of public open spaces. Together with nearly 200 homes and a new riverside walk, the project will create a high quality, pedestrian friendly, residential and public environment at the western end of Shoreham.
A commissioning plan was developed for the site that sets out the type of artistic work which will complement the area. All the works of art will be external and in exposed areas, such as at the main road entrance, near the community facility and along the riverside walk. The commissioning plan was developed alongside the landscape architects at the site, to ensure that art is at the very heart of the development, through opportunities such as street furniture and lighting, rather than just an afterthought.
Last autumn Adur District Council secured £23,500 from Arts Council England South East for the public works of art at Ropetackle, which has been added to the money already assigned by Berkeley Homes. As well as contributing to commissions the money will be used to pay for an educational programmer who will lead a number of workshops with the local community on public art.
The Ropetackle commissions were advertised in two phases. Phase One involved balustrade infills, carved decking and seating, while artists were also asked to come up with a play feature children would be able to enjoy. The selected artists for Phase One - Paul Harrington from Lewes, East Sussex; Rachel Reynolds from London; Amanda Hopkins from Sevenoaks, Kent; and Anna Twinham-Cauchi from Shoreham, West Sussex – have spent the last four months developing their ideas and will be installing their pieces at Ropetackle this spring.
Artists who entered ideas for Phase Two of the scheme were asked to think about the area's history from prehistoric times to the present, as well as to respond sympathetically to the very particular natural characteristics of the stunning river estuary. They have created works of public art to adorn entrances to the site, to mark key viewpoints and have designed metal grilles to surround the trees along the route.
SEEDA Projects Director, Stephen Sadler, said: "All of us involved in the artists' competition see it as a wonderful opportunity to create art which will be admired by people of all ages for many years to come. This will be a truly mixed-use development where we look forward to people being able to live and work."
The Ropetackle development itself will deliver a wide choice of homes, 180 in total, including apartments, houses, affordable homes and small business mews homes incorporating studio/office space and contemporary living accommodation. The site will also provide a range of commercial office opportunities, small retail outlets and a bar/restaurant. At the heart of the development will be a flagship civic building providing community arts and education space, business conference facilities and a SEEDA-run Enterprise Gateway providing a focal point for new business start-ups and entrepreneurs in the Adur area.
SEEDA has ensured that high quality urban design and sustainability are at the heart of this flagship regeneration scheme. All buildings will meet the highest design and architectural standards and in order to minimise environmental impact, all buildings will be highly energy efficient and all homes will be built to BRE EcoHomes 'Excellent' rating.
The third phase of homes has now been released and interest in the scheme has been high. More than 1,800 enquiries were taken prior to the launch of the first phase of homes this year and Berkeley Homes is anticipating continued strong sales interest.
It is expected that Phase Two submissions will be in place at the site by January 2006.
The post of Educational Programmer is now being advertised. Anyone who would like to apply should contact Jacqui Bladen, Leisure Development Manager, Adur District Council, Civic Centre, Ham Road, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex BN43 6PR. Tel: +44 (0)1273 263293.
|
