Developer outlines Liverpool public art revamp
International sculptor Jorge Pardo is to return to Wolstenholme Square to oversee the refurbishment of his sculpture ‘Penelope’ and design new street furniture, as part of Elliot Group’s £40m redevelopment of the area.
The artist first came to the city in 2002 to install Penelope in Wolstenholme Square as part of the city’s Biennial.
Elliot Group’s plans for the square, which were approved last month, will see the complete redevelopment of a series of low-grade 1950s warehouses, to deliver four blocks ranging in height from three- to 10-storeys, providing 445 studio- and one-bedroom apartments. There will also be new passageway through to Seel Street, lined by shops, cafes and offices.
Elliot Lawless, left, with artist Jorge Pardo
Work is due to start on site in spring 2016.
Elliot Lawless, managing director of Elliot Group, said: “Jorge is a one-off. Completely original and great fun. We want him to bring his playfulness to the design of the square’s furniture and reinforce it as a destination for visitors and locals alike. This will be no ordinary development and teaming up with Jorge is part of our commitment in that regard.”
Pardo said: “Liverpool has an edginess that spawns great creativity and I love coming here. Penelope is very special to me and, whilst she’s been well-looked after she needs a bit of a make-over and it’s fitting that I oversee it.
“The Wolstenholme Square redevelopment will provide a much more exciting and contemporary backdrop to the sculpture and I wanted to ensure that the opportunity to add some additional creativity to the setting wasn’t lost. You’ll just have to wait and see what I’m planning, however.”
Elliot Group is also on site at Queensland Place in Liverpool, where it recently began development of 399 student units on the former Nugent School site, and at Upper Parliament Street where it is developing 116 studios.
