by David Skentelbery
COUNCIL bosses at Warrington are being asked to approve a new public art strategy to help transform the town into a more colourful and successful place.
A public arts officer has already been appointed and this provides a significant opportunity to develop future plans for public art and the “public real” across the borough, according to a report to the council’s executive board.
The strategy should support the council’s “Transforming Warrington” ambition which includes regeneration of the 
town centre, development of greenways and the waterfront renaissance development for the Mersey.
Currently, despite projects such as the River of Life in Bridge Street and The Guardians – better known as “The Skittles” – at Market Gate, Warrington has no public art strategy.
Developments have taken place on an ad hoc basis, according to the report by Coun Bob Barr, executive member for planning, regeneration and housing.
As a result, the town has missed out on opportunities to attract further investment and added value from its businesses, industrial developments that contribute to the built and natural environment, architecture and urban design.
Three objectives have been identified to provide a framework for future projects and they have been labelled “A Sense of Occasion”, “Sources of Wonder” and “Navigating Warrington.”
A programme or work has been developed that includes opportunities for artists to work in the borough. Members of the public have been consulted – and more consultation is planned.
Cost of implementing the strategy could range from as little as £1,500 to as much as £30,000, depending on scale and duration, says the report.
But a large part of costs such as artists’ fees, etc would be sought from developers and organisations such as The Wellcome Trust, REVIVE and Arts Council England.
Pictured…The Guardians or “Skittles” at Market Gate.
Public art strategy for town
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
8 Comments
I wonder which members of the public were consulted???
“Transforming Warrington” is what has killed the town.
Yet more wasted money then.
oh no! not again !!! Warrington was an Historic town… these idiots are insitant on turning it into some sort of joke with thier derranged vision of art in the town center. Skittles!…the river of life! have they not yet noticed that the river of life looking from the top down looks like a falice! it even has water pouring out of the end JESUS WEPT!
Surely this could be a good thing? By admitting that public art has appeared on an “ad hoc” basis, the council is as good as admitting that the Skittles and River of Life were not exactly a great success. If a sensible strategy is adopted, perhaps future works of art might be just that!
Unbelievable. You are all living in the past. The skittles are a great piece of public art and lots more are needed around the town. If you want to live somewhere boring then move to runcorn.
Because of the ongoing recession and cutbacks being taken by the local and national governments, I am against any public/council tax payers money being splashed-out on public art when it could be spent on priority services, only when we are out of recession, only then will I be supportive for money being spent in this way, let’s have some common sense and some perspective on where money should be used.
The skittles are a great piece of public art?????????? Who told you that your guide dog?
Probably more tasteless tack ! from a council who have little regard for our heritage.