Geometry Lights Brentford Skies

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Boris switches on dramatic laser sculpture as £1.4m awarded for Brentford improvements

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today visited leading arts venue Watermans to officially switch on a new laser sculpture, which has been created as part of a series of wider improvements being made to Brentford town centre and surrounding areas, thanks to his Outer London Fund.

The new sculpture GEOMETRY has been created by French artist Félicie d'Estienne d'Orves for the International Festival of Digital Arts 2012, which is being hosted at Watermans. Throwing light into the night sky, the bold installation is a dramatic beacon for west London, adding to improvements being made in the area and cultural celebrations in the run up to and during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: 'This bold ray of light will be seen for miles around, creating a dramatic beacon for Brentford. The new landmark heralds further improvements to this part of west London, making it an even better place to live, work and do business in, and adds to the area's cultural programme for 2012. I am in no doubt that the capital will emerge strongly from the economic downturn but we must keep investing in our high streets and town centres to address the historic neglect of these areas by others. Kick starting local growth is exactly what these funds are designed to do.'

The Mayor has awarded £1,275,000 from the Outer London Fund to the London Borough of Hounslow, for a range of public realm improvements in Brentford town centre and surrounding areas. This includes £265,500 in the first round of awards for a range of improvements, including lighting and shop fronts and enhancing the area in the run up to Christmas, as well as temporary public art at Watermans

In January, Hounslow was awarded a further £1,008,811, to enable a programme of public realm works aimed at the long term regeneration of Brentford town centre. This includes St George's Piazza, around Market Place and to enhance links with its waterside location. Other measures include better lighting in the area, Legible London signs, and cycling improvements, as well as cultural projects.

Cllr Jagdish Sharma, Leader LB Hounslow, said: 'Brentford has a rich artistic heritage, and we want to build on that creative past to help regenerate the town. This is an iconic sculpture that local people can be proud of. It will be seen for miles around, and help raise Brentford’s standing as a significant cultural destination, attracting more visitors to the town.'

Jan Lennox, Director Watermans, said: 'Watermans has played a key role in the cultural life of Brentford for over 25 years and we are delighted to have this opportunity to play such a pivotal role in creating something so iconic and so impactful that will act as a beacon for Brentford until the Olympic and Paralympic Games end in September this year.'

The Mayor launched the Outer London Fund in June 2011, a three-year initiative dedicated to strengthening the vibrancy and growth of high streets and surrounding areas. The fund is providing £50 million to support boroughs to improve the character, quality and economic vitality of selected high streets. Support has been allocated in two rounds; almost £10m to 20 boroughs across London in the first tranche, aimed at contributing to the vibrancy and self-confidence of high streets in the lead up to the Christmas trading season and beyond.

More than 80 bids came in for the second round, with nearly £32m of funding being awarded to 18 boroughs in January. This will provide access to funds, specialist advice and ongoing support over two years to increase the attractiveness and economic competitiveness of many London high streets.

To find our more about the latest awards from the Mayor's Outer London Fund visit www.london.gov.uk/priorities/business-economy/investing-future/outer-london-town-centres

 

February 3, 2012