The future of three Conrad Atkinson sculptures under new revamp plans for Cleator Moor has been revealed.
Planning applications were submitted last week for two Cumbrian town centre revamp projects that would see Cleator Moor’s town square undergo major regeneration.
Work would be carried out to improve the entire area and transform the library and old council offices into a community hub and café – but initial artist renditions shared on social media appeared to leave out the sculptures, raising questions about their future.
Conrad Atkinson is an internationally renowned artist who created the sculptures as a memorial for West Cumbrian iron ore miners.
He died last year aged 82 and despite splitting his life between his studios in California, New York and Cumbria he was praised for never distancing himself from his birthplace of Cleator Moor, its people and issues.
It has now been confirmed that the sculptures and plaque will be kept if the plans go ahead and placed elsewhere within the landscape.
The proposed relocation of the sculptures would move all three of them to the back of the building opposite the new outdoor café space.
A restoration of the old fountain and addition of a new heron sculpture atop it is proposed for the front of the building. New trees, rain gardens, benches and feature paving would also be placed at the front of the building near the main road.
The hub aims to offer skills and employment opportunities as well as community facilities to increase footfall in the town’s centre.
