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Widnes Waterfront Flower Gets the ‘Grow’ Ahead

Source: Widnes Waterfront

Planning permission has been granted for the construction of a 15 metre high wind powered flower on the banks of the River Mersey as part of the ongoing Widnes Waterfront Regeneration Programme.

Designed by award winning architect Tonkin Liu as part of an international design competition, the flower’s metallic petals will flutter in the wind and will be illuminated in a range of different colours depending on the wind’s strength and direction.

Subject to securing further funding, the fabrication of the sculpture, which has funded by the NWDA, will begin in summer and is expected to be complete in autumn this year.

Widnes Waterfront is the multi-million pound regeneration of over 200 acres of former industrial land on the banks of the River Mersey that will create 1,100 jobs for the local economy and the create a modern business park environment and associated leisure facilities

Halton Borough Council Leader Cllr Tony McDermott: “People are often cynical about pieces of public art but we see this piece, coupled with the extensive public art programme as making a real difference to the environment The Future Flower demonstrates growth, civic pride and our belief in the area.

“To the thousands of people that work in the area and the thousands that will view it from other vantage points in Widnes it will hopefully resonate change and an emerging future for the entire borough.”

Anna Liu, director of Tonkin Liu, said: “At this site, industry meets nature with a stunningly beautiful light which reflects off the water and mud plains. Our design catches the light and the wind, and marks a point on the horizon of the Mersey.

“Future Flower extends our interest in structures which respond to weather.”

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