A new floor art installation has been approved for the Forth Meadow Community Greenway, just beside the Westlink.
Elected representatives at Belfast City Council ’s Planning Committee this week accepted a council officer’s recommendation to approve a small 60cm x 60cm piece of floor art sculpture in support of the huge “Carry Each Other” sculpture which was recently approved as part of new Forth Meadow Community Greenway project.
The application, by the council, is for lands located 70 metres south of 5 Riverside Square Belfast BT12, on a grassed area adjacent to a pedestrian footpath. The site lies between the Westlink and the pedestrian bridge which provides access to the Royal Victoria Hospital, toward the end of the greenway.
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The council 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 travelling along the footpath which forms part of the Forth Meadow Greenway, without detriment to the amenity of nearby uses nor it will hinder or preclude any future uses.”
There were no objections to the proposal from the public or from the Stormont Department for Infrastructure Roads Division.
In September the Planning Committee approved a giant new art sculpture on Springfield Road on a roundabout beside the Innovation Factory, at an entrance to the greenway. 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 newly approved piece will be considerably smaller, but related to the larger sculpture. The 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.
“The floor art installation, measuring 600 x 600mm by 10mm thick, constructed of marine grade corten steel, will be set flush to the ground to eliminate trip hazard. The floor art represents the community and the person and refers to the proximity of the site to the Royal Victoria Hospital, City Hospital and the Medical Library with the stethoscope also reinforcing the strength of listening. The artwork is of a minor scale.”
The greenway is funded by the EU’s PEACE IV Programme, and is intended to be a physical representation of the peace process in Belfast and to promote reconciliation between interface communities.
The £5 million project will see the creation of a 12km route from Clarendon Playing Fields in the North of the City, through the West to the new Transport Hub in the city centre. £3.2 million has been spent so far.
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