Memorial location update

SMP Chair David Hide reports on the latest news about the project site.

Following a recent partnership meeting with Horsham District Council to discuss the feedback from our Pre-planning Application, we have received some disappointing news from the council regarding the proposed site for the Shelley Memorial artwork. The cost of preparation of the site and groundworks is estimated to be above the contribution that the council anticipated making to the project.

While we appreciate the council's position, this is disappointing news; particularly as the initial location was offered by the council after quite lengthy and considered discussion. The agreed site was also highlighted in the artists' brief sent to those interested in being considered for the commission, with a requirement that they submit concept designs appropriate to that site; the public consultation undertaken on the commission also anticipated that the artwork would be on that site.

Happily, the council has proposed an alternative location within Horsham park which, we are pleased to say, we think could work well. We do need, however, to be confident that the cost of the groundwork in this location will be acceptable and, that we have the appropriate permissions in place before we proceed with submission of the full planning application. We hope, now to submit this application in July.

This outcome has, unfortunately, set us back as far as our planned timescale for completion of our project, but we hope that we will soon be back on track and ready to take the project on to the next stage.

On 28th June, the John Lewis store in Horsham has kindly provided us with space to present the latest news about our project, and the Shelley Memorial MP team will be setting up a stand in the foyer space. This will include information about the proposed alternative site on which we will be interested in hearing views. If you are in the area , please do come along.

We look forward to seeing you !