Silica, an exciting new public artwork, arrived at
Big Lamp Corner, Weston-super-Mare in 2006.
The illuminated spire for the 85ft (26m) structure was craned in
on Sunday 12 November 2006.
Designed by artist Wolfgang Buttress, Silica was the final part
of the £1m redevelopment of Big Lamp Corner and formed the part of
the £11m improvement plan for the town centre called the
Civic Pride Initiative.
The structure's spire contains thousands of glass bulbs which
are lit by LED lights. These can be lit up with various colours and
spectacular lighting combinations.
The structure incorporates a bus shelter and kiosk in its base
and a moving band of text, used to display messages and public
information.
The project cost £280,000 and was funded through
bodies such as the South West Regional Development Agency, Weston
Regeneration Partnership, Weston Tourism and Weston Town Council as
part of a wider series of improvements across the town.
The ongoing improvements to the town centre, including Big Lamp
Corner, came from us successfully bidding for and winning
funding from the Civic Pride Initiative.
The funding totalling £11m could only
be allocated to these projects.
The overall aim being to increase the attractiveness of the town
to major investors, visitors and residents alike in order to boost
the local economy.
For more information contact our
Regeneration
Manager.
