A sculpture celebrating the industrial heritage and the importance of community has been officially unveiled at the Stonebridge Beck residential development in Farnley.
Over 50 invited guests were on hand to see Rachel Reeves MP, Member of Parliament for Leeds West and Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, cut the ribbon on ‘Embrace’ which reflects the past, present and future of the site on Stonebridge Lane.
Standing six-metres tall ‘Embrace’ has at its centre a pump wheel which was salvaged from the original Stonebridge Mills, framed by a spectacular hand-crafted stainless steel arch, and positioned on a plinth.
The sculpture was created by Yorkshire-based metalwork sculptor Chris Knight who said that his mission had been to create “something heartfelt and reflective for the people who live in the area.”
Speaking at the unveiling Rachel Reeves MP said: “We desperately need new homes across the country, and here in Leeds.
“Across my consistency we see the history of our region and our city’s industrial heritage at sites like Stonebridge Mills.
“For too long, many of these locations have remained derelict and dilapidated, and it is so refreshing to see the culmination of all the hard work that has been put in on this site. Not only does the development sensitively incorporate the site’s heritage, but also provides good, high quality homes for its residents.”
The audience also heard from Jonathan Maud of joint developer Rushbond Plc who paid tribute to the skilled work force for the exceptional job they had done it bringing the once derelict site back to life.
Georgina Maud of Rushbond also spoke warmly about the development, providing a brief history of the site along with further background on the inspiration behind the sculpture.
On completion, Stonebridge Beck will deliver 112 new homes, including Mill Townhouses, cottages and contemporary new-build, with prices starting at £265,000. The joint developers are Rushbond Plc and Advent Developments. For more information please call 07837 116 469.
The picture shows, from left to right; Georgina Maud, Rushbond Plc, Jonathan Maud, Rushbond Plc, Rachel Reeves MP, Chris Knight, Tim Reeve, Advent Developments