By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
A sculpture in Beeston Town Centre could soon be moved to allow more space for market events.
The 35-year-old white marble structure, depicting a tree trunk, was designed by artist Paul Mason and is currently positioned in Beeston Square. It once functioned as a water feature.
A planning application was submitted to Broxtowe Borough Council earlier this month to relocate the sculpture to outside the Arc Cinema, just north of the Beeston Square tram stop.
The council will decide on its potential relocation in a planning meeting next Wednesday (September 4). As it is responsible for the statue, the council is effectively applying to its own planning committee to move it.
The main reason for moving the 2.79 metre artpiece would be to allow more space for future market stalls and events within Beeston Square, reflecting a growing need.
It currently sits on a stone base which would be demolished to create more space in the square- the sculpture would be moved to a planter outside the cinema.
The water feature is not planned to be used in the future “unless
deemed feasible further in the future”, say planning documents.
Planning documents to be assessed by the planning committee read: “Whilst acknowledging that the sculpture will be removed from its original location
within a prominent town centre space, its new location will mean it can still be
appreciated within the public realm whilst freeing up valuable space within
Beeston Square for markets and other activities.”
A decision regarding the sculptures location will be decided by the council next week.
