Gateways and Green Routes

With contributions from different groups of people in South West Burnley, Action Factory a set of sculptures were developed for siting at the junction of Cog Lane and Accrington Road in Burnley.  The sculptures use the theme of cogs and people in movement. These theme was developed with local communities.

 

 

The Compass

Workshops were held in the community centre for people to come and make a component for the compass mosaic. 

Participants were able to create a number of different objects to be incorporated in a circular mosaic compass measuring 3 metres. People made small pictures which were set in resin to keep weatherproof and mosaic plaques. The compass celebrated places that were familiar and those further afield.  

Cogs

Skills learnt while working on the compass soon came in handy as more workshops brought local people together to create a series of cogs in ceramic and mosaic relief. These cogs can now be viewed installed on houses in the Cog Lane area in Burnley. 

The Seat

The cog theme was also incorporated into steel cog-themed seating which was designed to allow people to take in stunning views of the local countryside and also study the intricacy of the compass design. 

The Sculptures

Finally a series of 10 sculptures were developed through consultation with local groups. There are 10 sculptures in steel depicting people in movement and these are sited prominently at the junction of Cog Lane and Accrington Road in Burnley. Mosaics created in workshops by the local community add interest and detail to the steel sculptures

 

The Celebration

When all the sculptures and pieces of art were in place it was time to celebrate. 

A procession of all the groups involved in the project and local residents joined together with people from Burnley Council and Action Factory and the community band Blowjangles to process around the new art ending at the sculptures on Accrington Road. A fun evening was had by all with food and refreshments and a part atmosphere.

Quotes about the project

Gareth Fort, Policy & Environment Team, Burnley Council said

"The Cog Lane Heritage Trail is a fantastic example of engagement of young people in the ongoing planning and regeneration of their neighbourhood. The artists were a source of inspiration throughout the process of engagement, design, installation and celebration"

Louise Kirkup, Principal Planner, Burnley Council said

"The Gateways and Green Routes Project has provided a wonderful opportunity for local residents to get involved in designing environmental improvements for their own neighbourhood. 

This project has engaged people who might otherwise find it difficult to take part in more conventional public consultation methods, and perhaps most importantly, has provided a much needed injection of colour, vibrancy and fun into a neighbourhood undergoing dramatic change and uncertainty."

Chris Keen, Centre Manager at Stoops and Hargher Clough Community Centre said

"Young people are uniquely placed to make a positive contribution to their local community, because they bring clarity, honety and sense of purpose to everything they do. That's why we are so proud of our young people and their involvement in the Green Routes Cog Lane Project, which has clearly benefited from their wholehearted enthusiasm"