Date: 17/11/2004
Source: Wakefield Council
Detailed plans for the ground-breaking new Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield have now been unveiled.
Wakefield Council is developing the exciting new Gallery as part of the transformation of the Waterfront. It will be built on a very prominent site on the Headland of the River Calder at the southern gateway to the city.
The Hepworth Gallery, Wakefield is being designed by leading architect David Chipperfield following an international competition, and is scheduled to open in 2008.
The city’s existing internationally-acclaimed historic and contemporary art collections will transfer to the new gallery, and a major attraction will be the unique display of 30 original plaster sculptures donated by Barbara Hepworth’s family, together with finished sculptures and interpretative displays on her creative process, life and work.
There are also ambitious programmes of exhibitions and events which create new opportunities for children, local people and visitors to take part in a wide range of creative and educational activities.
The Hepworth Gallery will open up access to and enjoyment of Wakefield’s historic Waterfront. The project includes restoration of the historic 19th century grade II listed watermill, landscaped gardens and a new footbridge across the River Calder, linking the Gallery and Waterfront to the city centre. This detailed planning application follows on from the outline application for mixed-use development across the whole of the Waterfront which was submitted in September 2004.
Council Leader Cllr Peter Box said: "The Hepworth Gallery is a key part of the Urban Renaissance vision for the city and the transformation of Wakefield’s historic Waterfront. The Gallery shows the Council’s commitment to improving the city’s cultural facilities, environment and urban spaces as part of attracting new investment and jobs into the District.”
Wakefield Council Chief Executive John Foster added: “David Chipperfield’s designs for the new Hepworth Gallery are attracting international attention. This will be a major new cultural facility for local communities and is one of the most adventurous and prestigious projects in Yorkshire.”
David Chipperfield, the Gallery’s architect said: “We believe that we have been given a wonderful opportunity to create a gallery that not only will house an interesting and important collection of work - especially by Barbara Hepworth - but that will also make a major contribution to the redevelopment of the Wakefield Waterfront.”
Detailed plans will be available for public inspection at the Council’s Planning Department, Newton Bar, Leeds Road, Wakefield between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday, telephone 01924 306636.
Exhibitions for members of the public to view the designs for the Hepworth Gallery will be on public display in:
Ridings Shopping Centre on 26th November
Town Hall, Wood Street, Wakefield 29th November to 4th December
Information on the designs will be available at Wakefield Art Gallery, Wentworth Terrace during December.
