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Phoenix Gateway Sculpture - 29 November 08
The dramatic Phoenix Gateway sculpture, celebrating the on-going regeneration of Hemel Hempstead and also symbolising the forthcoming Maylands Gateway Development will be installed on site on Saturday the 29th November 2008. It is one of the largest and most ambitious pieces of public art in the South East.
The stunning three arch sculpture will been installed at its prime visual location; at the entrance to the town on the Breakspear roundabout, close to M1 Junction 8 from where it can be seen from miles around.
The sculpture spanning some 10m and weighing 40 tonnes has been described as a clever blend of contemporary art, science and engineering which complements the environment and is built using modern construction materials and techniques. Representing perfectly the many facets of the area’s business and skills bases the sculpture was designed to create the three dimensional, multi-level concept, which takes on the form of an arched gateway.
The cost has been funded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) supported by Dacorum Borough Council. The objective of the EEDA funded grant has been to deliver a visible environmental improvement to Maylands Business Park, which will have a positive impact on the economy.
A mix of specially designed solar and electric lighting will illuminate the sculpture, which sits on its engineered foundations and metal base, finished off with an outer cladding surface made of Papercrete. Papercrete is a relatively new green building material - re-pulped paper fibre with portland cement or clay and/or other solid matter added for strength. The decision to specify this product further reinforces the area’s commitment to sustainability and celebrates Hemel Hempstead’s location as having the oldest paper mill in the UK.
Structural Engineers for the project, Sir Robert McAlpine Design Group, have run the construction of the sculpture through a rigorous process of tests and load bearing calculations including tornado-strength wind testing and vehicle impact assessments.
Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council, said: "It is befitting that on the third anniversary of Buncefield, the Phoenix Gateway rises from Maylands to celebrate Hemel Hempstead's resilience. The town has come a long way since the explosion, and the companies affected are back with a bigger presence than ever. This imposing sculpture symbolises our ambition for Maylands to be a number one location for business."
An official launch and naming ceremony will be taking place on the 11th December. Councillor Mrs Carol Green - the elected Mayor of Dacorum, will head the event joined by Mr John Rollit who "named" the sculpture in a public competition last year. The sculpture lighting will be switched on by Mike Penning MP.