A huge artwork honouring the special relationship between Liverpool and Wirral has been unveiled on the banks of the River Mersey.
Representatives from Wirral Council, Liverpool Enterprise Partnership and John Moores University were all present for a first look at the piece, ‘This Beautiful Place’.
Undertaken by students and staff from universities and colleges on both sides of the Mersey, the community project will be displayed on the river’s western shore.
The 80ft hoarding can be seen from the Liverpool waterfront and was commissioned by Robertson North West and offshore wind firm DONG Energy.
Both companies are building a £5.5 milion operations and maintenance facility in Seacombe’s Kings Wharf and wanted to work with the local community to design a unique hoarding that would surround the site during construction.
A group of students from Wirral Metropolitan College worked with senior design lecturer, Mike O’Shaughnessy from Liverpool John Moores University and poet Nathan Jones.
Text and poetry to compliment Mike’s 80ft graphic that could be seen from the Mersey’s waterfront. ‘This Beautiful Place’, showcases the love and pride they have for the area.
Mike O’Shaughnessy, from the Liverpool School of Art and Design, said: “It has been a pleasure to be part of a project that has brought two communities even closer together.
“The enthusiasm from everyone, especially the students, has resulted in a magnificent display that shows what a close relationship Liverpool and the Wirral has.”
The design will be on display in front of DONG Energy’s new operations and maintenance centre, situated on the banks of the Mersey, directly in the middle of the two areas.
It will serve DONG Energy’s two offshore wind farms in the area, Burbo Bank and Burbo Bank Extension. Together they can produce enough renewable electricity to meet the annual demands of approximately 310,000 UK homes.
Natasha Nanuck, Stakeholder Advisor at DONG Energy, said: “This hoarding truly is a community project.
“It is the result of businesses, students and artists working together and appreciating the communities they live and work in. We are proud to be part of these communities.
“When operational, this building will become a prominent feature on the Mersey riverfront and it’s great that during construction we are able to share people’s love for the area.”