Date: 20/12/2005
Source: Wakefield Council
The regeneration of Wakefield's historic waterfront took a big step forward when additional financial support was approved by senior councillors today (Tuesday 20th December 2005).
The Hepworth, Wakefield project is reaching the end of the detailed design stage and Cabinet members today agreed to recommend the full scheme is included in the Council's capital budget.
Cabinet member for Regeneration Cllr Phil Dobson said: "The Hepworth is a key part of Wakefield's Urban Renaissance and I'm pleased to say good progress has been made in developing The Hepworth as part of the regeneration of the waterfront.
"But for the project to continue to make progress the Council needs to confirm its commitment to the completion of the project. We would like the Council to look at the full cost of the scheme in the capital programme to ensure this progress continues for the expected opening in 2008.
"The Hepworth is needed to transform the waterfront area and will hopefully act to further the district's economic regeneration and visual appeal. It will benefit local people and provide an interesting and creative attraction. With the right funding this project could put Wakefield firmly on the cultural and tourist map.
"It is a fantastic project which we really want to start as soon as possible. This additional commitment from the Council should give confidence to other funders."
It is expected the Council will contribute £3m from its capital budget with more funding coming from other sources in the New Year. The total programme cost is £26m - £17m has been secured so far with major funding coming from the Arts Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The exciting and visionary project will see a state of the art gallery built on the headland site of the Wakefield Waterfront conservation area.
The detailed design stage has brought all elements of the scheme together including the public garden and landscape surrounding the gallery, a footbridge across the River Calder, restoration of the site's watermill, car park and coach drop-off point.
The world-class Hepworth Gallery is designed by leading international architect David Chipperfield and is scheduled to open in 2008, as part of the transformation of Wakefield's Waterfront beside the River Calder at the southern gateway to the city.
It will house the city's outstanding collection of 20th century British art, as well as telling the story of Wakefield's artistic and historic heritage over the last 250 years. It will also provide innovative creative and educational activities.
A unique collection of 30 original plasters used by Wakefield born Dame Barbara Hepworth when casting her bronze sculptures, donated by the Hepworth family trust, will be the centrepiece of the gallery.
Other significant British Artists of the 20th Century will feature in the gallery and there will be a collection of paintings and drawings of Wakefield and Yorkshire on display.
