Artwork celebrating the history and culture of Reading is set to be put on permanent display in the town centre.
Famous people who have lived in Reading ranging from Henry I and William Marshall to Oscar Wilde, Kate Winslet and Ricky Gervais will all feature in artwork celebrating the town’s heritage.
The Station Hill development valued at £750 million will see hundreds of flats and new office space created once complete.
As part of the project, the development company Lincoln MGT agreed to provide public artwork, created in four art installations.
Designs for the four artwork pieces are revealed in a planning application submitted to Reading Borough Council.
The characters mentioned above will be featured in ‘mosaic murals’, with one being located on the wall of the train station underpass, and the other situated at Friars Walk.
Both of these murals will be illuminated so they are visible at night.
Two sculptures will also be installed. A sculpture called ‘Pivotal’ situated near the train station is a flag-style structure, with ‘Seed’ being an arch sculpture representing the contribution Sutton Seeds made to the town.
Judging the project, planning officer Steve Vigar wrote: “The four artworks proposed would be a positive addition to the area, supporting its regeneration and providing visual interest.
“The proposals would not harm public safety and would preserve the setting of nearby heritage assets.”
The planning application for the artwork was approved on Thursday, November 28 clearing the way for creation and installation works.
You can view the approved designs by typing reference PL/24/1234 into the council’s planning portal.
