New Public Art Opens in Middleton

Middleton’s past now sits side-by-side with its future thanks to a new piece of public art.

Youngsters from St John Fisher Primary School officially opened the new Tesco Gateway public art feature, which links the town’s new Tesco Extra store with Middleton Gardens.

The artwork features eight stainless steel banners and 30 decorative cast iron floor panels that all represent a part of Middleton’s history. The artwork shows events, industries and people that have shaped the town from the ice age to the present day.

Some of the town’s most famous sons, including Lord Chancellor Thomas Langley, architect Edgar Wood, and political radical Samuel Bamford are all featured in the piece. A cast has also been dedicated to the Middleton Guardian to celebrate its contribution to the town.

Middleton Township Chairman Cllr Peter Williams said, “The artwork is very symbolic. It depicts the highlights of Middleton’s past sitting alongside a new major development, which shows how we are preparing for the future.”

Manchester-based artist Tim Rushton was chosen to carry out the work after he won a competition in May 2008 led by Rochdale Development Agency to find the most appropriate design for a public art feature as part of the development of the new Tesco store.

He said, “It’s great to see the artwork complete. It is a fitting tribute to Middleton and its very rich history."

The £100,000 artwork has been funded by Tesco and Rochdale Borough Council as part of the new supermarket development.

Debbie Teale, Community Champion for the new store, said, “It was fantastic to have the children opening the new artwork. Tesco will play a big part in Middleton’s future, so it is great that we have been involved in a project that embraces the town’s past.”

RDA Chief Executive John Hudson added, “The new Tesco store has brought major investment to Middleton, and this is another example of that. Tesco has made a huge impact on the area, helping us build the new Middleton Arena, creating hundreds of new jobs, and now funding this fantastic art project.”