Turning City Centre Eyesore into "Crowning Glory"

An unusual challenge has been thrown open to the public this week as part of the Inverness Old Town Art and City Centre Streetcape projects.  The invitation is for inspiring ideas to turn the Crown Road Wall (below Stephen’s Brae) from an eyesore into a “crowning glory”.

The Highland Council removed defective concrete cladding from the wall some years ago and plans to replace it, and improve the appearance of the wall, were included in the City Centre Streetscape Programme.  More recently the wall has been identified as an excellent opportunity for an arts project, possibly with community engagement.

The Inverness Old Town Art (IOTA) team are inviting anyone with an interesting idea for the Crown Road Wall to bring it forward.  The large expanse of curving wall behind the Eastgate Car Park is roughly 75 metres long and 275 square metres in area.

Provost Jimmy Gray, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee said: “The Crown Road Wall has been waiting for a makeover for some time and I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas people come up with.  It’s in a prominent location so I’d like to see something quite distinctive, dynamic and timeless so that it won’t date.”

The opportunity is open to artists, designers, makers, students, architects, community groups and schools; indeed anyone who can come up with a good idea to transform The Wall.  Suggested ideas can take the form of a written description, a rough sketch, drawing or draft plan.

Marie Mackintosh, city partnership officer, said: “At this stage we are only looking for outline ideas.  Community groups or individuals shouldn’t be put off if they are not sure how their idea can be translated into a reality – the IOTA team can help work out that out later.  The Wall can be viewed from different angles so I would encourage people to think about this aspect.  There are current photographs and an elevation drawing on the website to help.”

The deadline for submitting ideas is Friday 31st October 2008.  They can be emailed  to iota@citypartnership.org.uk or posted/delivered to :  Susan Christie, Inverness Old Town Art, Highland Council, Town House, High Street, INVERNESS, IV1 1JJ.

The web address for further information is www.citypartnership.org.uk

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For more information contact: Marie Mackintosh, City Partnership Officer at marie.mackintosh@highland.gov.uk or  01463 724380 / 07751 051371