Willingham art bus stop project: The Journey

Spring 2004
South Cambridgeshire District Council adopt a planning policy requiring landowners to commission artists as part of the creation of new developments

Summer 2005

• David Wilson Homes agree a contribution of £20,000 towards public art as part of the Manor Farm development off Willingham High Street
  
• Willingham Parish Council establish a public art steering group to manage the project and invite input from local residents

Summer 2006

• Steering group bring in local Arts Development Manager to advise on artist appointment and identify two possible sites for the public art

Spring 2007

• Lead artist is selected by steering group and overall project plan and timescales determined
• Bus stop site is chosen as an ideal opportunity to create a focal point whilst considering the practical need for shelter

Summer 2007

• Steering group develop plans for youth engagement project and community planting scheme, and apply for funds to support from Awards for All and 02 in the Community.
• Lead artist presents concepts to steering group, which are approved for development.

Autumn 2007

• Parish Council request a site survey to determine whether there is anything underground that will affect/effect the structure/ design.
• The Highways department offer advice on contractors and legal requirements.
• Discussions take place between Parish Council and District Council to ensure planning requirements are met.
• Lead artist submits two potential design ideas to Willingham Parish Council for consideration. One is selected and approved for further development.

Winter 2007-08

• Village residents invited to meet artist and steering group and view design ideas.
• Designs also presented to SCDC Conservation Design Team for consideration.
• Co-designer Louise Watson develops the detailed designs and has them checked by a Structural Engineer to test loadings and foundation dimensions.

Spring 2008

• Detailed designs agreed and manufacturing starts
• Youth workshops on Connections Bus take place and selected designs forwarded to lighting manufacturers Urbis for production.
• Fabrication of canopy starts at Benson-Sedgwick Engineering workshop
• Limited edition “Willingham Wing” shopping bags ordered along with other promotional material

Summer 2008

• Fabricators liaise with contractors to ensure installation
• Willingham Wing is officially unveiled to the public

Images 1-8 Willingham Wing Installation
Images 9-14 initial concept sketches

Please click on images to enlarge