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Joint Statement from the Welsh Government
Published: 07/09/2017
Following a pause and review, announced earlier this summer, the Welsh
Government has confirmed that it will not be proceeding with proposals for two
major art installations, which included the design of an Iron Ring at Flint
Castle.
However, work on Flint Castle and the foreshore masterplan will continue, with
the pursuit of an alternative major art installation as a potential component
of the investment.
As part of the review, Welsh Government officials met with 天涯社区 County
Council, Flint Town Council and a number of local groups and partners to
discuss the future development of the historic Flint Castle and Flint
foreshore. Welsh Government made it clear that it was committed to significant
investment in Flint Castle and to delivering a masterplan for Flint foreshore
and Castle in full consultation with local stakeholders.
Whilst there was some support for the current proposed sculpture from
stakeholders locally, it was recognised that any decisions on major public art
installations would need to be taken in conjunction with the wider masterplan
work. Consequently, it was agreed to stop work on the current sculpture and
instead focus on using some of the allocated funding to deliver the masterplan,
which sets out a vision for a shared multi-use visitor and mixed use centre to
support tourism, walking and cycling, and key local organisations including the
RNLI and rugby and football clubs.
Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates said:
鈥淲e acknowledge that the proposal for the Iron Ring sculpture has been divisive
and, following extremely constructive and productive meetings with local
stakeholders, have taken the decision not to proceed with the proposed design.
Instead, we will use the investment allocated for the artwork to help deliver
the wider masterplan for the foreshore, taking in the views of local people.
This will include developing a range of capital investments for the area and
holding a number of events and activities to increase the understanding of the
history of the Castle and the significance of the foreshore. Alongside
天涯社区 and Flint Town Council, we see development of the
masterplan as a high priority.鈥�
Councillor Ian Roberts from 天涯社区 and Flint Town Council
said:
鈥淲e welcome this investment in the Castle and foreshore and the commitment to
retain current resources for Flint. Our recent meeting with the Welsh
Government was extremely positive and I feel confident that future partnership
working will ensure a favourable outcome for the town of Flint which will
enhance the historic Castle with its links to Richard II and Shakespeare, the
foreshore and the improvement work which has been carried out in the town
centre over recent years. We will continue to actively pursue proposals for
major public art installations as part of the foreshore masterplan delivery.鈥�
Notes
The Mater plan for Flint castle and foreshore can be found at
http://cadw.gov.wales/docs/cadw/publications/170712%20Flint%20Castle%20Report_We
lsh1.pdf