First Public Art Sculpture Unveiled at Conningbrook Lakes Development

As demand for homes with outdoor spaces continues to be a top priority for home buyers, Latimer and Westerhill Homes, part of Chartway Group are proud to unveil the first piece of public art at their ‘Conningbrook Lakes’ waterside development in Kent, designed to connect the new community with their idyllic surroundings.

As part of the wider community development plan, joint developers Latimer and Westerhill Homes in partnership with Ashford Borough Council, commissioned local public art consultancy Francis Knight to develop a Public Art Strategy, led by the local community to inform the design of the sculptures.

Three initial themes, ‘View’, ‘Dwell’ and ‘Explore’ were chosen, with the ambition that each would be designed for a specific area at Conningbrook Lanes. Artists were then handpicked for their creative skills to design the corresponding sculpture.

‘The Loop’, part of the Explore theme is the first piece of sculpture to be installed at the development. Artist Julia Clark has been busy on site over the past month, putting together the final touches for the sculpture which is designed to connect the new development with the immediate landscape, its natural beauty, and the flora and fauna around the lake.

Commenting on her design, Julia said: “The Loop is an abstract form, handwoven from large willows on a steel frame aimed to entice you to explore further into the rest of the park. I would like visitors and residents to want to interact with the sculpture and engage with the space. I want them to be physically uplifted and to be able to step and walk through the sculptures, and see through them framing various views of the lakes and the parks around them.’’

Councillor Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure at Ashford Borough Council, added: “Sitting at the entrance to the new Conningbrook Lakes development, The Loop Sculpture summons residents and the local community to stop and take a moment to enjoy the beautiful lakeside scenery, water and wildlife.

‘’The project recognises the important role artists play in contextualising new spaces and communities, bringing character and identity to enable a sense of belonging for residents and visitors alike. In addition, now more than ever, it reflects the importance of the natural world and our connection to it and how being in the natural environment can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. I am so pleased that this is just the first installation of a number which will be added to the development over the coming months for all to enjoy.”

Conningbrook Lakes is a new collection of modern and stylish three-, four- and five-bedroom homes within Conningbrook Country Park, a popular family-oriented nature reserve on the outskirts of Ashford, Kent, featuring lakes, ponds, woodland and grassland. Every home at Conningbrook Lakes is built to a high specification and rigorous quality standards, with an emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability to keep heating bills low. All homes also have their own gardens and come with parking, either off-street or car barns, and many enjoy lake or countryside views.

Tim McLoughlin, Partnerships Director at Chartway Group said: ‘We are delighted that the first art installation at Conningbrook Lakes and has been welcomed by residents. ‘The Loop’ really embodies the ethos of the scheme, embracing nature literally on your doorstep. These art pieces will be a place to stop and breath, feel the tranquillity of the surroundings and hopefully give our residents a lot of pleasure’.

Sam Truman, Regional Sales Manager, South East Region, at Latimer concludes: “We are delighted to be working with Julia Clark on this first piece of public art, which will serve as an appropriate way marker at Conningbrook Lakes. This striking sculpture will help to give the lakeside its own distinct character, which over time will come together with the other elements of the public art programme that we have planned.”

Prices at Conningbrook Lakes start from £300,000 for a two-bedroom Mallard house style. For more information, visit www.conningbrooklakes.com or call 01233 215 155.

Article courtesy of Westerhill Homes