Two public sculptures planned for Magherafelt area

One of the sculptures is planned for the busy Castledawson roundabout and the proposal includes the construction of a footbridge.

The other art project is in the town centre at Market Street where three massive lighting columns have been erected to represent Magherafelt’s three church spires.

The project at the roundabout is still in its early stages and involves Transport NI working with the council.

The work also involves the installation of a pedestrian/cycle linkage with associated site and landscape works.

The development of cycle lanes and walkways together with the public art sculpture will completely transform the appearance of the roundabout which is passed by thousands of vehicles each day.

The Market Street art project is expected to be finished within a few weeks to coincide with the completion of the public realm work.

Both projects have their origins in Magherafelt Council’s ‘gateway’ art schemes that stretch back a few years.

One art piece was to have been erected at the Coolshinney/Moneymore Road junction and the other at Castledawson/Pound Road junction.

Mid Ulster Council recently set aside £30,000 for public art projects in Magherafelt as part of The Mid Ulster Town Centre Action Plan.

The roundabout sculpture was created by renowned L’derry artist Maurice Harron, famous for work like ‘Reconciliation/Hands Across the Divide.’