Council seeks artist to add finishing touches to business park

Shropshire Council is looking for a piece of artwork to grace its new Business Park in Bishop’s Castle.

The council has secured funding and is looking to commission an artist to create a permanent fixed sculpture for the site.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s deputy leader, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to create something that will leave a lasting mark in Bishop’s Castle, and Shropshire.

“We are happy to give artists free rein when it comes to the design; all we ask is that it includes something that is connected to Bishop’s Castle and the values it embodies.

“Because it is a public art installation, there are some additional considerations that need to be taken into account: the material it is produced from must be durable and cleanable, and the design itself shouldn’t have sharp edges; but, apart from a few restrictions, we are looking forward to this being a major feature of the business park.
“We can’t wait to see people’s suggestions.”

Ruth Houghton, local Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, added: “I welcome this commission for a piece of public art at the new Business Park in Bishop’s Castle. There are many talented local artists and creatives living in and around Bishop’s Castle, and this is an ideal opportunity for a local artist to capture and illustrate the characteristics of the area where they live and work. I urge them to bid for this commission.”

The council-owned park secured £1.27m European Regional Development funding last year and is located on Brampton Road in Bishop’s Castle.

Construction began at the end of June 2021 and is currently on schedule to be completed by mid-September 2022.