Seven Dials sculpture cash up for grabs

4:11am Tuesday 15th January 2008

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Is this a sign of things to come?

Artists are drawing up plans for a sculpture to sit in the middle of the notorious Seven Dials roundabout in Brighton.

It is part of a plan to make the roundabout, which is the scene of about 20 accidents a year, safer for drivers.

Brighton and Hove City Council is offering a commission of £10,000 to the artist who creates the winning sculpture.

Here The Argus's design team has mocked up what the roundabout would look like with the Statue of Liberty, Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe in the middle.

The idea of a tall, striking design would go down well with Roger Amerena, chairman of the Montpelier and Clifton Hill Association - although he is keen that the sculpture is in keeping with important architecture in the area.

He said: "There is a huge need to make the Dials safer.

"Drivers in New England Road have no idea there's a roundabout in front of them. A tall, lit structure would mean the junction is visible to drivers coming up the hill to Hove.

"Montpelier and Clifton Hill Association thought a redesign would also be the perfect opportunity to commemorate the 18th century Brighton architect Amon Wilds and his son Amon Henry Wilds, who gave Brighton its unique style.

"They designed Oriental Place, Brunswick Square, Regency Square, Montpelier Crescent and more - so they essentially shaped most of the seafront. The Seven Dials junction with Montpelier Crescent is the gateway to their work."

A spokesman for the city council said: "Any art piece should be site-specific and take inspiration from the local area.

"There are certain architectural styles in the roads surrounding the roundabout and any piece must reflect or complement the style.

"Seven Dials has a huge amount of footfall and as the art piece will be visible from at least seven different view points, the piece must work from a number of sight lines.

"Final designs must also take into consideration that the piece will be lit at night."

A sketched plan on the council's website shows a three-tier design and the sculpture would go on the third tier.

Paula Murray, head of arts and creative industry at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: "This is an important cultural project. Artwork at the centre of roundabouts is a very European phenomenon. But first and foremost it's a road safety redesign."

For more details, visit www.

brighton-hove.gov.uk/publicart.

What type of sculpture would you like to see on the roundabout? Email naomi.loomes@theargus.co.ukor leave your comments below