Sculpture planned for new city development is unveiled

Wakefield Council and arts organisation Beam have this image of the sculpture planned for a grassed area just off Aberford Road, which is an entrance to the housing and retail development.

Coun Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council’s cabinet member for economic growth and regeneration, said: “We are delighted with the exciting plans for an impressive sculpture at the gateway to the new City Fields development.

“The sculptor has designed an art installation that highlights the historical significance of the nearby canal.

“We hope it will become a significant feature to this rapidly developing area which will support housing, growth and economic prosperity in our district.”

The sculptor is Graeme Mitcheson, who has vast experience of creating artwork for public spaces, working mainly with stone, glass and concrete to create large scale art features.

The sculpture takes its shape and scale from the lock gates constructed a short distance from the site at Stanley Ferry.

Work will start on the City Fields sculpture once planning permission is secured.

A detailed masterplan for the development was drawn up in 2016 but it could take up to 20 years to be completed.

When it is complete, City Fields will be made up of around 2,500 new homes, leisure, retail and business facilities, a new primary school, health facilities and parkland.