A giant new art sculpture on Springfield Road has been recommended for approval to Belfast Councillors.
Belfast City Council planning officials have recommended the green light in a report detailing an application to erect a seven metre sculpture close to 385 Springfield Road Belfast. Councillors will decide upon the application, by Belfast City Council, at next week’s meeting of the Planning Committee.
The site is a grassed area adjacent to the pedestrian footpath bounding a roundabout at the entrance to the Innovation Factory. The site also forms part of the entrance to a larger scheme for a proposed parkland to the Forth Meadow Community Greenway.
Read more: New Lodge councillor hails Belfast bonfire diversionary funding a success
The seven metre high sculpture, by artist Sara Cunningham-Bell, will be called 'Carry Each Other', and will be of a scale that people of all abilities will be able to pass between its legs. The statue will be located on a granite plinth set flush with the ground and will feature aluminium casting with an internal steel work structure.
The council report states: “The sculpture concept is inspired by the wide range of ages within the area’s population and its future hope for the community. This is embedded as the adult figure carries the next generation who carries a bird.
“It is considered that the proposed sculpture is a well-designed, compatible use at this location. In addition, the proposal will not adversely impact on the character or integrity of the area and will contribute positively to the environmental quality of the area.”
The project also involves walking groups, drawing groups from the Glencairn and Falls areas, Sure Starts from the Falls and Shankill areas, and eight schools across North and West Belfast, English and Irish speaking.
The council planning report states: “The scale, design and materials of the proposal will not detract from the appearance and character of the surrounding area. The proposal is considered to comply with relevant planning policy and guidance.
“The sculpture is a well-designed compatible use at this location and will contribute positively to the overall environmental quality of the area. The proposal will provide an interesting feature for those accessing the Innovation Factory and the Forth Meadow Greenway, without detriment to the amenity of nearby uses nor it will hinder or preclude any future uses.”
The council received no objections from any statutory bodies or any members of the public.
READ NEXT:
-
Ormeau residents victory as council rejects 1am license for new £8m hotel on site of church
-
Belfast City Council looks into big investment plan for city parks
-
Belfast Bright Lights festival cancelled after public outcry
- Belfast Council warned of "crisis of confidence" in cleansing services as city labelled "dirty"
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
Pics from council agenda, permitted use for all
Captions by Michael Kenwood
1 Scale of the proposed art work Springfield Road
2 Artist's impression of the new art work
