‘Colourfields’, the first of East Lancashire’s Panopticons, was officially launched by the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Councillor Dorothy Walsh, at a celebratory event in Corporation Park today.
Panopticons, funded by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and the Lancashire Economic Partnership (LEP), is a visionary scheme to create a unique series of 21st century landmarks across East Lancashire by 2007, as symbols of the renaissance of the area.
Today’s event was in itself a landmark: the climax of three years’ work to transform the derelict cannon battery at the top of the Park into a striking contemporary viewing point designed by Jo Rippon Architecture with artist Sophie Smallhorn.
In attendance were celebrity designer Wayne Hemingway, along with representatives of the funding bodies, the borough and ELEAN, the multi-agency partnership behind the project, led by Mid Pennine Arts. Keynote speakers were Ian Whittaker, Lancashire area manager, NWDA; Dennis Taylor, chief executive, LEP; Steve Rigby, director of Blackburn with Darwen Council’s department of culture, leisure and sport and Wayne Hemingway.
Nick Hunt, director of Mid Pennine Arts, and master of ceremonies, commented, “This is a proud day for all those who have worked so hard to achieve this first Panopticon for East Lancashire. The beauty of this stunning design is that, as well as providing a unique modern visitor attraction for the park, it has preserved the base of the original structure, which had fallen into disrepair and would otherwise have had to be dismantled. It reinvests this historic site with significance, creating a sense of continuity through change.”
Lead member for culture, leisure and sport for Blackburn with Darwen Council, Councillor Akhtar Hussain, who attended the event said: “This is a significant day for Corporation Park and for Blackburn and I am delighted to be part of it. Colourfields will complement the ongoing work to restore the Park to its former Victorian splendour.”
Dennis Taylor, chief executive, of the LEP added, “The Panopticons project has emerged as an outstanding achievement of the East Lancashire Regional Park programme. These landmarks will add to the unique character of the area and will help promote the region as a thriving environment and a globally competitive ‘city region with room to breathe’.”
And NWDA area manager for Lancashire, Ian Whittaker said: “I am really excited that we now have our first Panopticon in place in East Lancashire. This new landmark provides a unique point in Blackburn from which to appreciate the town’s setting against the backdrop of East Lancashire’s spectacular hills and moors. I’m sure it will prove popular with residents and visitors, as well as helping to increase the area’s appeal as an investment location. The Panopticons project will develop real assets for East Lancashire, adding to its splendid cultural, industrial and environmental heritage. I really look forward to seeing the creation of more of these veryspecial works of art.”
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