Permanent location planned for Siemens City of Culture blade
A new, permanent location has been proposed for a Siemens Gamesa wind turbine blade that became a public sensation when it was installed in the centre of the UK City of Culture.
A planning application has been submitted to locate the 75m blade in a prominent position at the entrance to the Siemens Gamesa site in Hull.
The blade was one of the first manufactured at the Siemens Gamesa factory at Alexandra Dock, which opened in December 2016. In January multi-media artist Nayan Kulkarni transformed the 28-tonnes structure into a monumental sculpture, installed across Queen Victoria Square in the heart of Hull as one of the highlights of Hull UK City of Culture 2017’s “Made in Hull” opening season.
During the 10 weeks in which it dominated the city centre, the installation was seen by 1.1m people.
Blade made headlines around the world and was a huge social media hit, with residents and visitors to the city posting thousands of pictures.
The blade was returned to Siemens Gamesa’s Hull site while plans were considered for its future use.
Jason Speedy, Siemens Gamesa’s Hull blade factory director, said: “We considered various locations on our Hull site for the blade and we have chosen this one because it will ensure it is seen by as many people as possible.
“It will be clearly visible to all visitors to the factory, partially visible from the A63/Hedon Road which passes the site, and will be positioned just yards from the public right of way which runs around Alexandra Dock, so people using the footpath will see it up close.
“Having previously been interpreted as an art installation, it is now proposed the blade will be a landmark for the Siemens Gamesa factory and a symbol of Hull as a centre of green energy manufacturing, engineering and innovation.”
Martin Green, chief executive of Hull 2017, said: “With the support of our major partner Siemens, Nayan Kulkarni’s Blade helped kick off Hull UK City of Culture 2017 in spectacular style. The incredible journey from the factory to Hull city centre and its streamlined elegance as it resided in Queen Victoria Square is etched in the memory.
“We’re therefore delighted that it is proposed to be permanently installed so that people visiting or passing the Siemens Gamesa factory at Alexandra Dock can see it for years to come.”
