Ground Breaking Ceremony for The Hepworth Wakefield
Ref: PR1622
Date: 06/12/2007
A formal groundbreaking event on Friday, 7 December celebrates the start of construction of The Hepworth Wakefield on Wakefield’s historic waterfront.
The formal event to mark the start of work on The Hepworth Gallery will now take place at Wakefield Art Gallery.
A planned visit to the gallery site on Wakefield’s Waterfront has been cancelled for health and safety reasons. The site is accessible only to contractors.
The Art Gallery, which will close when The Hepworth opens in early 2010, will instead host a ceremony which will include a procession by children from St Mary’s Primary School dressed in mini reflective jackets.
The Hepworth - a new world-class art gallery and creative centre – which is close to St Mary’s School - is due to be completed in 2009 and open to the public early in 2010.
Wakefield Council’s Leader, Peter Box and Deputy Leader, Denise Jeffery will be join the children at the Art Gallery, along with representatives of David Chipperfield Architects, the main contractors, Laing O’Rourke, the project’s funders and other people working to deliver the project.
The £26m gallery will be an exciting and vibrant new art gallery and creative centre, designed by award-winning David Chipperfield Architects.
It will feature Wakefield Art Gallery’s outstanding collection of Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures, alongside other pieces of her work donated by her family. Work by Henry Moore, who like Barbara Hepworth, was born in the Wakefield district, will be exhibited, as well as work by other internationally significant artists.
The Hepworth Wakefield will give visitors and users the chance to get involved with ambitious exhibition programming, community events and a wide range of activities for families and children.
Wakefield Council Leader Cllr Peter Box said: “We are taking a significant step forward in making The Hepworth a reality. I am sure that it will attract visitors from all over the world. It is a fantastic opportunity for Wakefield.”
Dan Doherty, Director of Laing O’Rourke Northern Ltd said: “We at Laing O’Rourke are delighted to be associated with such a prestigious building and excited at the opportunity to play a part in the regeneration of this area of Wakefield.”
Nick Hill, Project Architect at David Chipperfield Architects said: “We are delighted to see The Hepworth Wakefield start on site. It is a privilege to be working with such a capable team on what looks likely to become one of Yorkshire's key arts destinations. We can now look forward to seeing the project completed and opened to the public.”
