'Loopy' boat for canal

PLANS are in for a loop-the-loop sculpture at the Sheffield end of the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation.

This is in the form of a floating loop-the-loop-shaped canal boat sculpture on the waterway, situation by Sheffield Basin.

Created from rolled steel

This would be created from rolled steel, designed by Alex Chinneck, who has created other unusual sculptures around the city and who wanted to create another 'magical artwork' for the region.

He had already created other sculptures of an upside down car and a twisted postbox.

Should it be approved, the sculpture will be funded by Meadowhall owners and energy company E.ON, that operates the Blackburn Meadows Biomass Power Plant.

It will be fantastic

Graham Whitfield of the community group  Tinsley Forum, that backs the design, enthused:

“It will be fantastic for the area to have an unusual and playful addition, which is something that will inspire young and old to have an interest in art, health and the local waterways, whilst transforming an area of Sheffield where there is a lack of public art."

Sheffield City Council is in favour of the design with its spokesman telling:

"It will serve as a free, year-round, outdoor visitor attraction for the area, and aims to bring a new generation of visitors to contribute to the ongoing story of the canal."

There as been no comment yet from Canal & River Trust.