The search is on for a new piece of artwork to grace the new Business Park in Bishop’s Castle.

Shropshire Council has secured funding, and is looking to commission an artist to create a permanent fixed sculpture that will have pride of place on the site and celebrate both Bishop’s Castle and its beautiful surroundings.

Construction of the business park began at the end of June 2021 and is currently on schedule to be completed by mid-September 2022.

Ed Potter, Shropshire Council’s Deputy Leader, and Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for an artist to create something that will leave a lasting mark in Bishop’s Castle, and Shropshire.

“We are happy to give artists free rein when it comes to the design; all we ask is that it includes something that is connected to Bishop’s Castle and the values it embodies.

“Because it is a public art installation, there are some additional considerations that need to be taken into account: the material it is produced from must be durable and cleanable, and the design itself shouldn’t have sharp edges; but, apart from a few restrictions, we are looking forward to this being a major feature of the business park.

“We can’t wait to see people’s suggestions.”

The deadline for proposed applications is Monday, August 1, and the winning design will be announced in September, with an installation date set for January 2023.

Ruth Houghton, local Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle, added: “I welcome this commission for a piece of public art at the new Business Park in Bishop’s Castle. There are many talented local artists and creatives living in and around Bishop’s Castle, and this is an ideal opportunity for a local artist to capture and illustrate the characteristics of the area where they live and work. I urge them to bid for this commission.”

Any artists looking to apply can find the briefing document here: https://bishopscastletowncouncil.gov.uk/2022/07/01/business-park-sculpture/

The council-owned park secured £1.27 million European Regional Development funding last year and is located on Brampton Road in Bishop’s Castle. The business site has eight new state-of-the art commercial units built to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ standards and the available units range from 2,000 sq ft to 13,300 sq ft.