Application submitted for new public artwork in Wakefield
Wakefield’s mining past could rise above the City Fields landscape in the form of a dramatic new public sculpture.
Called Earth Rise, the artwork has been designed by artist Steve Anwar of Sapien Studio and is proposed for open green space at Newland Grange, off Neil Fox Way.
The sculpture is inspired by the area’s industrial heritage, with the design featuring a historic half pit wheel alongside a geometric form representing a pile of coal and two large wing-like structures.
The application says the half pit wheel is associated with Parkhill Colliery, which closed in 1982 after more than a century of mining.
Mr Anwar describes the concept as an “Angel of Coal Mining”, with the coal becoming something celestial as the sculpture pays tribute to generations of miners while looking towards the changing landscape around City Fields.
The artwork would be constructed largely from Corten steel, designed to develop a weathered appearance over time.
It would also include bird boxes intended to support house sparrows, a species listed as being at risk in the UK, alongside native planting and wildflower meadow areas.
The project has involved engagement with former miners, local schools, ecologists and members of the community.
Workshops were held with pupils from Outwood Academy City Fields and Outwood Primary Academy Park Hill, while former miners were consulted at The Red Shed.
A drop-in session was held at the Taylor Wimpey Newland Grange show home and St Swithun’s Community Centre on July 8, where residents saw the developing designs.