Plans to install an eye-catching archway sculpture as a focal point of the transformation of a major roundabout in Peterborough seem poised to go ahead.

Designs for the artwork have already been drawn up by award-winning artist, sculptor and garden designer Jeni Cairns.

She was invited about a year ago to create a metallic archway that will form part of an impressive new gateway into the city centre and to Peterborough Museum once the current works on the Queensgate roundabout are completed.

She said: “I have drawn up some sketches but I haven’t heard anything since the idea was first proposed.

Artist Jeni Cairns, inset, has been invited to create an archway sculpture that will be a gateway to Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery as part of the city's Station Quarter plans.

placeholder image — Artist Jeni Cairns, inset, has been invited to create an archway sculpture that will be a gateway to Peterborough Museum and Art Gallery as part of the city's Station Quarter plans.

"I think it would take me about three months to complete the project.”

The sculpture has been commissioned and funded by the Friends of Peterborough Museum and Art Galley

Stewart Howe, chair of Friends of Peterborough Museum and Art Galley, said: “We are still planning to go ahead with the sculpture, and are waiting for instructions from Peterborough City Council.

Archway sculpture to be focal point for Peterborough's Station Quarter transform...

Hr Howe has previously said there was no definite timescale for the sculpture to be installed as it would depend on progress of the Station Quarter development.

He said: “It will be impressive and it is a hugely exciting project.”

Mr Howe has previously said that the sculpture will feature motifs that relate to the museum such as Norman Cross and fossils.

Her added: "And in Jeni Cairns’ style, the structure will be light and will create shadows.

"And because it will be highly visible we hope that it will help drive more visitors to the museum.

Work to transform the Queensgate roundabout began in early July this year and is expected to take about 40 weeks to complete.

However, the project has been delayed by the discovery of 37 skeletons, tombs and burial chambers in a former cemetery that existed on the site during the Medieval period and later developed in the Victorian period.

Once completed the works will provide a new look pedestrian and cycle route from the train station to Cowgate and the city centre and will be the first phase of the £65 million Station Quarter regeneration.

The council has been approached for a response.