Date: 13/06/2005
Source: Wakefield Council
The latest designs showing the interior of The Hepworth, Wakefield, a major new art gallery and the centrepiece for Wakefield's Waterfront Development, will be on show during national Architecture Week, at Wakefield Art Gallery from Friday, 17 June through to Sunday 26 June.
Detailed planning permission for the new gallery, as well as outline planning permission for the Waterfront Development scheme has now been granted.
Work is expected to start on the first phase of the scheme in October this year with scheduled completion by mid 2007. The Hepworth, Wakefield is due to open in 2008.
The first phase includes developers CTP St. James' conversion of The Calder and Hebble warehouse (also known as the Navigation Warehouse), to office accommodation with public access to the ground floor and extensive new residential development.
The designs for The Hepworth, Wakefield by David Chipperfield, and the Waterfront masterplan were recently praised by the Council for Architecture and the Built Environment's Design Review Panel featuring prominently in CABE's Designed Reviewed 2 publication.
Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport, said: "Within a very short space of time, we are going to start seeing changes taking place along the Waterfront which will rapidly transform the southern gateway to the City.
"I hope that people will take the opportunity of coming along to see the exhibition at the Wakefield Art Gallery during Architecture Week, as the displays will really make the project come to life. There will be an opportunity for people to give their feedback once they have seen the designs.
"We have been speaking to local people throughout the development of the project and they have told us they want the new gallery to be a lively and welcoming facility where everyone can see more of our wonderful art collections and get involved in our activities, exhibitions and event.
"They also want to see it stimulate new pride in our heritage, attract visitors to our region and support other new development in both the city and the district, especially in the Waterfront Conservation Area."
Architecture Week is the national celebration of contemporary architecture with over 400 events taking place nationwide.
