THE Barnsley Market multi-storey car park will be turned into a giant piece of ‘land art’ for when the Tour de Yorkshire spectacle passes through the borough.
Barnsley has been chosen to be the start destination for the second leg of the race on May 4.
As part of the build up to the event, Welcome to Yorkshire is on the lookout for the county’s best creations as part of its annual Tour de Yorkshire land art competition where massive, eye-catching pieces are displayed along the race route.
Creative Recovery, a local charity supporting people in recovery from drug and alcohol and mental health issues, has been commissioned to take advantage of the planned closure of the council-owned multi-storey car park and transform the open-air top level into one of those giant pieces of land art.
A second high profile piece is also planned in a special nod to mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines, which was turned into the cult film Kes.
Artists have been commissioned to create new collection of artworks at the Platts Common recreation ground in Hoyland, working with the Dearne Valley Landscape Partnership, to celebrate the work of the local author.
‘The Kestrel’, a large piece next to the race route, will be a contemporary interpretation of one of the key images linked to the book and the film. It will be visible from the surrounding area, both from the air and at ground level, reflecting the cycling that will pass by.
Businesses, landowners, farmers, schools and community groups are also being encouraged to get creative.
Last year, giant artworks were created at Thurgoland Bank and Spring Vale designed to be viewed from the air as part of the cycling-themed project In Gear featuring gears, cogs, bearings and chains.
Despite their efforts, it was a piece celebrating the 200th birthday of Branwell Bronte that was crowned the winner after an international public vote.
Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: “Stunning land art is now synonymous with the Tour de Yorkshire and it’s one of the many things that makes our race so special.
“In no other event do you see these imaginative creations on such a spectacular scale and people around the world love tuning in to see them.
“These fantastic pieces really bring the race to life and give people the chance to celebrate their communities.”
