Key milestone reached
David Hide, Chair of the Shelley Memorial Project writes:
A key milestone in the project plan for the installation of the public artwork commemorating the poet Shelley and his connection with Horsham has been successfully achieved.
Group picture in Horsham Park, celebrating planning permission approval for the artwork to go in Horsham Park with from L-R Ann Ratry Arts Society Horsham, Sally Sanderson Chair Friends of Horsham Park, David Hide Chair Shelley Memorial Project, Ted Gooda SMP Director, Steve Sanderson Vice Chair Friends of Horsham Park and SMP fundraiser, Sara Loewenthal SMP, Sarah Nuttall SMP Pauline McGerty SMP
In January this year, the Shelley Memorial submitted the planning application for the installation of the selected artwork in Horsham Park. On I July, Horsham District Council confirmed that the application has been approved.
We are delighted to have reached this stage — that now enables us to progress the plan for the installation of the artwork that celebrates our great local poet. We were disappointed to discover last year that the plans to install the artwork on the originally proposed site could not be taken forward, but a suitable location within the beautiful surroundings of Horsham Park has now been identified and agreed for the future installation of a Shelley Memorial.
Once the new site had been identified, we were confident that this would work just as well and are delighted that the planning permission on the site has been reached.
Following receipt of the very welcome news, members of the Shelley Memorial Project committee, along with supporters of the project, including representatives from Horsham Arts Society, Friends of Horsham Park and HDC’s Cabinet member for Well-being, Culture and Green Space, Cllr. Tony Frankland, met on the approved site to acknowledge and celebrate the achievement of this key stage of the project.
Steve Sandham, David Hide holding model of artwork both from the SMP with Cllr Tony Frankland pictured in Horsham Park where the approved artwork will be installed
Cllr Tony Frankland said, ‘This important milestone ensures that a fitting home has been secured for the memorial, creating a place where residents and visitors alike can pause, reflect and draw inspiration from a writer whose words continue to speak across the generations. We are proud to continue to support and partner with the Shelley Memorial Project and look forward to seeing this vision become a lasting part of our wonderful park.’
The SMP would like to thank all those who have supported us this far. The positive comments submitted in the consultation stage of the planning process gave a real boost to our project and this has spurred on as we now move forward with our fundraising campaign.
We are keen to hear from anyone who would like to find out more about our fundraising strategy and how they can help to realise its delivery. Email shelleymemorialproject@btinternet.com to get in touch!