MIPIM hears from artist focused on bringing economic benefit through a major new project

The artist behind the multi-million-pound major new piece of public art says that he hopes the economic impact of the project will be wide reaching.

Sheffield City Region’s Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) selected the Onwards & Upwards project from a shortlist of four, to go forward for consideration by the Northern Cultural Regeneration Fund (NCRF).

That decision opened up the possibility of between £3m and £4m investment in the scheme, maximising its potential as a catalyst for major regeneration and transformation of the Don Valley waterways.

Alex Chinneck spoke to potential investors and delegates about how the project will transform the Don Valley corridor, linking Sheffield and Rotherham, into a cultural destination.

Speaking at MIPIM, Chinneck said that the “Onwards & Upwards” project, which features a trail of sculptural chimneys, would be made in Sheffield because of the complex engineering and manufacturing technology needed to manufacture them. But also because the structures will generate wealth for local firms producing them, ensuring that it has a direct link to the history of the area.

He said: “This is a are balance of something that is historically important but also technically complex. And it’s going to be made in Sheffield. At first, that was a strategy and now it’s a strength of the project.

With around 40m cars passing the site, he feels that the new people it would attract to the region and become a symbol of a gateway to the north; bringing further economic impact to the region from 2019 onwards when it is hoped work to install them will begin.

“In terms of the development, that’s a prime area for real estate development and we have had positive responses from landowners and stakeholders. The trail is one mile long. It genuinely combines the arts, industry and recreation,” added Chinneck.