Shrewsbury’s controversial Quantum Leap sculpture has been hit by ‘technical’ problems – just weeks after the project’s contractors were forced to re-do work on town centre roads.
The Chronicle understands the sculpture, commissioned as a memorial to mark Darwin’s bicentenary, is not correctly aligned and is around 18 inches out at the top of the structure. It had originally been hoped the sculpture would be unveiled in June but now it is not expected to be completed until mid-September.
The work is being carried out by Abergavenny-based contractors Alun Griffiths, which spent an extra £30,000 resurfacing Dogpole less than two weeks ago. The company had originally carried out the work last summer as part of the Town Centre Regeneration Scheme, but were called back by council chiefs after part of the road started breaking up.
Shropshire Council officials have remained tight-lipped about the exact nature of the problems, and have also refused to confirm or deny whether the sculpture has now exceeded its anticipated £350,000 cost.
Opinions have been divided over the sculpture, which is being built on the river’s edge at Mardol Quay as part of a Darwin geo-garden.
Jon Tandy, town and unitary councillor, said: “Residents from all around town are saying what a waste of money it is. We are in the middle of a recession and people are struggling to make ends meet yet money is being spent on this.
“It looks different to how it did on the plans when it was more side-on, and it was also white on the plans rather than the brown concrete that has been used. It just looks awful.”
George Candler, Shropshire Council’s assistant director for culture and leisure, said: “With any complex project there will always be technical challenges and this is no different to any other piece of public art. We are aware of the most recent issues raised with regards to Quantum Leap and are taking that up with the contractors. Discussions are on-going and we are also maintaining a constant dialogue with our architects.
“With regards to Alun Griffiths we are happy with the work they have carried out on this project. We are looking to finish the project by mid-September and we are on course to do that, and our project costs are constantly under review. This will be an iconic piece of public art that Shrewsbury, Shropshire and the wider region will be proud of.”
No-one at Alun Griffiths was prepared to comment as the Chronicle went to press.
Exclusive by Peter Kitchen