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This design by Tim Rushton has been chosen as the town’s new £100,000 artwork
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Centre design goes back to the future
17/ 9/2008
A DECISION on Middleton’s new town centre art feature has been made.
Councillors, residents and businesses have all backed Tim Rushton’s tribute to the town's illustrious past in the race to secure to £100,000 prize.
His design, marked out by eight striking lazer-cut panels focusing a particular theme combined with 30 decorative floor slabs, also paying tribute to famous townsfolk and events, was chosen ahead of two other designs tightly focused around the Middleton Archer theme.
He said: "I am thrilled to be named Middleton’s artist of choice. I was filled with so much trepidation before the announcement that it’s a fantastic feeling to know that I’ll be the one driving this project forward."
The 57-year-old’s design was approved by councillors at last week's Middleton Township Committee meeting, following a ground-swell of support for the proposal among residents.
Councillors said they were surprised that two of three entries had focused solely on the Middleton Archer theme and praised Tim Rushton’s design for providing the opportunity to showcase more of the town’s history and culture.
Consultation will now take place on who and what should be included in the design, with names such as architect Edgar Wood and poet Samuel Bamford along with images of the Borough coat of arms, the three old townships of Middleton, the old Boars Head, the River Irk all suggested as possible inclusions.
Tim added: "I’m very fond of Middleton as an area and used to cycle down by the canal side as a child. I’m now looking forward to bringing some of the town’s historical greats to the fore and holding another consultation to take more of the public’s ideas into account."
Martin Ledson, project officer at Rochdale Development Agency, said: "The designs are modern and fresh while paying homage to some of Middleton’s famous faces. I’m sure young and old will enjoy this public space and it will become another great attraction for people visiting the town."
Paul Raftery, store development manager for Tesco said: "We are delighted to support the Middleton Gardens Art project and looks forward to working with the artist selected by the people of Middleton to create a public art feature which will be enjoyed by the people of Middleton every day."
Work on the project, which will link Middleton Gardens to the new town centre Tesco store is expected to begin early next year.
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4/10/2008 at 01:04