Angel Of The North Sculpture for Gloucester?

A TOWERING work of public art could soon be denting Gloucester's skyline.

The 23-metre spear-like sculpture, which could be Gloucester's answer to the Angel Of The North, would loom high above the Docks.

It is being proposed as part of plans to redevelop Victoria Dock car park and includes new street furniture, lighting planting and resurfacing.

The modern art sculpture, which is the shape of a spear head, would act as the focal point linking the Quays with the city centre.

The initial designs of the artwork show a tall thin structure with engravings cut all the way through it, and it is intended to be built at the entrance to Gloucester Docks on Kimbrose Way.

Paul James, Gloucester City Council leader hopes the new sculpture could offer some controversy and bring more attention to the area.

He said: "Public art is often subjective and can cause controversy, and sometimes that is when it is best.

"The Angel Of The North did that when it was built and it got a lot of attention, so hopefully an equivalent in Gloucester could be just what we need."

People near the proposed site yesterday welcomed the plan.

Dean Howell, 21, a gardener from Upton St Leonards, thinks the sculpture is a good idea but was a bit dubious about the design.

He said: "There does need to be some link between the Quays and the city, otherwise the centre will be derelict.

"I'm not sure about the design though. I like modern art, but I'm not sure about this one."

Shareene Johnson, 18, a student at Gloucestershire College said: "It will definitely make the place look a lot tidier."

Alison Birch, 42, from Stroud, thinks the sculpture would be good, but added: "I think they should put more signs up so people know which direction the city centre is."

Margaret Burge, 68, from Stroud, said: "Anything to brighten up the area would be a good thing."

Sylvia Knight, 64, works in property and visits the area from the south coast on a regular basis.

She said: "It does need some kind of linkage now that the Quays is here, and I hope it works."

Paul and Yvonne Robinson, 61 and 58, visit Gloucester regularly from their home in Birmingham.

Mrs Robinson said: "I think it is a brilliant idea."

The City Centre Community Partnership has been involved for some time in the discussions regarding this project

Chairman Barry Leach said: "This planning application is good news for the city as it moves this project to the next stage.

"This linkage is the lifeline to the city centre, creating a balance between the new designer outlet and related activity and the historic city centre."

The application will go before the planning committee on August 10.

LDA Design is the firm which created the artist's impressions.

Neil Mattinson, partner at LDA Design, said: "Public art is an important part of the design for Gloucester's public realm.

"It will give an identity to the Docks and provide legibility, helping to link the new shopping centre through the Docks and onto the city centre and Cathedral