Artist appointed to draw together Casson Block enhancement scheme
International artist Holger Lonze has been appointed to design and install a piece of public art at Winchester’s Casson Block.
The work forms part of the Casson Block Enhancement Scheme, which includes new paving, lighting and railings, and will see planters in the New Year.
This new piece of public art will be designed for the area between the Casson Block on St George’s Street and the rear of the Hampshire Chronicle building on Upper Brook Street.
The final design will be developed with input from local people, and will be based on original proposals for a bronze sculpture reflecting both modern and historic architecture in Winchester.
The panel included Winchester City Council officers with expertise in economic and arts development, landscape design and the historic environment, local ward member Cllr Ian Tait, Chris Turner from Winchester BID, Judith Martin from the City of Winchester Trust and the chair, Stephen Boyce, an arts consultant with extensive experience of public and performing arts.
Cllr Steve Miller, Portfolio Holder for Estates and Local Economy is pleased to see such a positive step in regenerating the area.
He said:
The Casson Block Enhancement Scheme is nearing the end of the main works outside of the building. Creating a focal point which has the power to inspire conversation, bring people to this area of the city, and put St George’s Street ‘back on the map’ is a highly positive move for the local businesses.
Holger Lonze, a German-born artist now living in Ireland, has excellent experience of producing public art which is relevant to its setting. More information about Holger’s previous work is available at www.holgerlonze.com which will also host an ongoing diary of progress towards the final piece. Updates will also be available on facebook at www.facebook.com/cassonblock
Holger is pleased to have been asked to take forward his ideas for the Casson Block public art scheme. He said:
I am excited to have been asked to work more on my ideas for the Casson Block. Public consultation is an important part of developing my ideas for any public art project. I look forward to working with local businesses, residents and others interested in my proposal.
Consultation workshops are being planned for the New Year, with a view to the final piece being installed in summer 2017. The current works on site are due to finish shortly, with final tasks such as the re-siting of the air quality monitoring unit taking place in January.
For more information about the Casson Block enhancement scheme, go to http://www.winchester.gov.uk/projects/project/14 or contact Kate Cloud, Head of Economy and Arts at kcloud@winchester.gov.uk or telephone 01962 848 563.