The gardens surrounding the controversial Quantum Leap sculpture are still closed to the public four months after the artwork was unveiled – because officials say it’s too cold to finish the work.
Shrewsbury Town Council is waiting to take over the maintenance of Mardol Quay Gardens where the Darwin sculpture stands.
But the final layer of tarmac has not been laid as the weather has been too cold for it to settle, and the gardens, which will include facts about the geological history of Shropshire, will remain closed until the work is finished.
Shropshire Council officials have said the temperature needs to drop no lower than 7C for five consecutive days and nights for the work to go ahead, and have said contractors are on stand-by to move on to the site in the next few weeks. Earlier this week temperatures dropped as low as minus 4C overnight in the town.
As part of the work the fencing around the sculpture bordering the River Severn will be re-painted black after complaints the existing white fence wasn’t in keeping with its surroundings.
It’s the latest blow for the sculpture, which was unveiled in a formal ceremony by civic dignitaries in November. It attracted criticism from some quarters for its appearance with costs spiralling from around £50,000 to £483,000.
The sculpture was made as part of the Darwin bicentenary celebrations.
The 200th anniversary of the scientist’s birth was marked on February 12 last year and activities held throughout the year attracted tourists from across the world.
Earlier this year the Chronicle reported that local sub-contracting companies had not been paid for their work by contractors Alun Griffiths.
Helen Ball, clerk of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “The resurfacing work has not quite been finished. I believe the tarmac has to be laid when the temperature is high enough and the recent cold weather hasn’t helped that.
“We are hoping something will happen in the next few weeks and once the work is finished the gardens will open to the public.”
Rian Huxley, communications officer for Shropshire Council, said: “To enable the completion of the Quantum Leap project, there will need to be a sustained period of at least five consecutive days at 7C or above to allow the tarmac to set.
“The contractors have been instructed of this and will commence work as soon as it is viable.
“The panels adjacent to the River Severn are envisaged to be painted black. This work is expected to be completed before Easter.
“There are no plans for any further ceremonies to hand over the project,” she added.
By Peter Kitchen