New support for archway sculpture to be focal point for Peterborough's £65 million Station Quarter

Designs for the sculpture, which could be installed at the Priestgate end of the pedestrian and cyclist route being built across the Queensgate roundabout, have been drawn up by award-winning designer Jeni Cairns.

She was invited 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 and which is the first phase of the Station Quarter regeneration.

But she told the Peterborough Telegraph recently: “I have drawn up some sketches but I haven’t heard anything since the idea was first proposed.

"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.”

Now a leading member of the council’s administration has stated the local authority is keen to engage with the project.

Cllr Angus Ellis, Cabinet Member for Transport, said “We are keen to continue to work with the Friends of Peterborough Museum to explore this proposed sculpture for the city, including potential designs and locations.”

Mr Howe has previously said the sculpture will feature motifs that relate to the museum.

He added: “As it will be highly visible we hope that it will help drive more visitors to the museum.”