Ambitious illuminated trail to light up Evesham's historic buildings - The Evesham Observer

Ambitious illuminated trail to light up Evesham's historic buildings

Evesham Editorial 13th Jul, 2017   0

EVESHAM’S historic buildings could be lit up by an ambitious £259,000 project in a bid to boost tourism, the Observer can reveal.

The illuminated trail, developed by Wychavon District Council, will take in the town’s landmarks including the Almonry, the Bell Tower, St Lawrence’s Church, All Saints Church, Abbey Gardens and the War Memorial.

Council chiefs began developing the idea last year after being inspired by the artistic lighting used along the River Avon in Workman Gardens.

Under the ambitious plans, the Bell Tower will get new improved LED lighting and the stained glass windows at All Saints Church and St Lawrence’s Church will be lit. Images could also be projected onto the buildings.




The historic Almonry Museum could also have videos projected on to it such as tapestry from the Battle of Evesham.

Due to the cost of the project totalling £259,000, the trail will be phased in across three stages. Funding has been secured for phase one, which includes the Bell Tower.


Last month contractors were invited to tender for the project.

Phase two will see All Saints Church and the War Memorial lit up, followed by St Lawrence’s Church and Abbey Gardens in phase three.

The plans were revealed at an Evesham Town Council Meeting on Monday where councillors agreed that the Town Clerk should prepare a report to look into whether the council can contribute £40,000 to £50,000 to the project.

Speaking at the meeting, Shawn Riley, inward investment manager for Wychavon, said: “The idea emerged from a Wychavon Partners Together event back in 2016 which focused on culture with an ambition for a lighting themed installation in Evesham.

“It was thought with the green and blue lights along the river they make a really good impact and it would be nice to build on that.

“Jenny Davis, Wychavon’s arts officer, was then asked to go away and look at the options and commissioned some architectural lighting specialists called SDNA.

“They then came up to Evesham and spent time here and had a look around to see what could be done. And again they spotted the opportunity Evesham’s Abbey Park represents and proposed an illuminated trial of historic buildings.”

Coun Alan Booth said: “This is a superb idea and I’m sure the town will take to it, especially lighting those two churches. They are as dim as anything at the moment and this will bring them to the forefront.”

Recruitment

Find a career you'll love with our free career finder website.

Public Notices

View and download all of the public notices in the Evesham Observer.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Evesham Observer.

Advertising

Advertise with the Evesham Observer to reach your audience