The Face of Sutton Manor

7:00am Thursday 11th October 2007

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A PUBLIC artwork that will be created on a former St Helens pit site could take the form of a colossal facial sculpture.

The face' could also emit a shaft of light, to mark special occasions, such as a Saints cup victory or a public event, according to attendees of initial public discussions for Channel 4s Big Art Project.

Ideas for a striking structure on the former Sutton Manor colliery, overseeing the M62 motorway, are being masterminded by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa.

Organisers hope the end product will rival Gateshead's Angel of the North'. But the project has already divided opinion, with some people questioning the need for such an artwork.

St Helens Council confirmed an event to share information about proposals had taken place for the Sutton Manor community.

A statement was issued by Council Leader Brian Spencer, which read: "The attendees were given a presentation about the latest concept created by internationally acclaimed artist Jaume Plensa.

"It is inspired by the human face and intended to symbolise the area's positive future."

Cllr Spencer added: "This is very much the start of the process of developing a detailed proposal which will be subject to further wider public consultation."

The artist is now beginning to work on detailed proposals, while engineering experts, Arup, have been commissioned to carry out a feasibility study.

Such a structure would also come under planning scrutiny.

• Funding of £700,000, including £100,000 from St Helens Local Enterprise Growth Initiative, has been set aside for the project. Councillor Spencer stressed that none of the funding is coming from Council tax-payers' money.

• LOOK out for more developments on the artwork in your Star and on our website www.sthelensstar.co.uk