A new art initiative is set to transform a town centre building site into a colourful display of residents’ creativity.
The construction wall which borders the site of the former Marks and Spencer on Stodman Street is to become The Community Art Gallery @ 32.
Newark residents of all ages are invited to draw what they love most about the town, celebrating it’s beauty and diversity, and have their artwork featured on the wall.
The project is led by Newark and Sherwood District Council alongside Newark Town Board, who are transforming the former Marks and Spencer building into a hub of 29 high-quality homes and retail units in the heart of the town.
Matt Lamb, director of planning and growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "We are delighted to launch The Community Art Gallery @ 32, which is a wonderful way to engage the residents in the transformation of this key site in the town centre. We look forward to seeing the colourful and inspiring artwork that will brighten up the construction wall and reflect the spirit of our town.
“Transforming the former M&S building is an exciting project and we are committed to showing that initiatives like this can help to develop town centres for the better. Without the council’s intervention, this prominent building could have fallen into disrepair and while we tried hard to find tenants for it, no interest for such a large unit was forthcoming. By splitting it up as we are, we are turning a building that could have been abandoned into a thriving and active area where living, working and shopping come together.”
Entry forms will be available at the area’s schools, community groups, Housing with Care Schemes and BeanBlock Café for residents to make their drawing.
The deadline to submit the forms with the artwork is Friday, July 26.
The forms can be handed in to Castle House, BeanBlock Café, the participating schools and community groups, or alternatively, residents can contact information@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk and arrange for someone to collect their artwork.
There will also be a ceremony later in the summer where the winning artists will be invited to reveal their artwork and receive recognition for their contribution to the community art gallery.
Stepnell is undertaking the initial phase of the 32 Stodman Street construction work.
Tom Sewell, regional director at Stepnell, said: “Our work on this landmark project as complete construction partner is continually centred on effective engagement with the community, an area that we are passionate about within our projects both in the East Midlands and across the country.
“The community art gallery brings the local community together, through an incredibly rewarding and exciting artistic initiative. Through activity such as this, our goal remains to support the local area with creating job opportunities, investing locally and our ongoing commitment to educating the younger generation.”
The first phase of work is likely to take place until late summer 2024 with the construction taking place soon after. Completion is expected to be in 2026.
