Funded by planning contributions from developer Grainger, the arts programme aims to create a distinctive identity for the new housing now being constructed, using culture and the arts to connect people to place, whilst contributing to community spirit and pride of place in the process.
The West of Waterlooville (WoW) development area spreads across the boundaries of the two local council districts of Winchester and Havant in the South of Hampshire. Three thousand homes are being built on land between Denmead (in Winchester District) and Purbrook and Waterlooville (in Havant Borough) over the course of about ten years.
Cllr Kirk Phillips, Chair of West of Waterlooville Arts Advisory Panel, said:
The appointment of Futurecity was a unanimous decision by the interview panel which was made up of Winchester City Council, Havant Borough Council and Parish Council members and officers as well as a public art expert from Arts Council England South West and a representative from the developers of the site, Grainger. We are pleased to be able to benefit from Futurecity’s extensive knowledge, experience and innovative approach in the delivery of our programme.
Futurecity, added:
Our approach to place-making and the public art programme for this development is to focus on the rich natural environment, connecting Waterlooville and residents with the ecology and accessing green spaces. The first commission will explore opportunities in the new Town Park and main entrances to the development.