Poole's rope knot sculpture erected at Hunger Hill

More than two years after the plans were approved, the rope knot sculpture by artist Michael Condron has been put in its place at Hunger Hill.

And the ‘Newfoundland Knot’, part of the £450,000 funds to improve public spaces in Poole, has split opinion amongst local residents.

READ MORE: Eight-metre high rope knot sculpture planned for Hunger Hill

Jenni Brown, 73, said: “I love it, I think it’s beautiful. I love what they’ve done with the place here because Poole is quite sad with all the shops closing.

“It’s just a shame it’s by the tyre place but I really like it. It looks like waves riding up which represents the sea, it’s beautiful and it brightens up the area.”

This was an opinion matched by a resident, who didn’t give his name, walking past the artwork.

He said: “I hadn’t actually noticed it but I was just thinking it’s nice they’ve thought about pedestrians down here and not just cars.

“The statue looks like an anchor and I wonder if it’s symbolic of Poole and the port.”

However, 71-year-old Jenny had a contrasting view on the sculpture.

She said: “I think it’s horrible, what is it meant to be?

“I’ve spoken to my friends and they’ve all said how ugly it is. I just don’t know what it is meant to represent.

“I don’t like what they’ve done here, and who is paying for it? I just think it is so ugly.”

Ward councillor for Poole Town, Mark Howell, said it was nice to have the statue but the area needed proper regeneration.

He said: “At the end of the day we need proper regeneration and we need a deliverable regeneration place of a scale that can transform Poole.

“I think it is good to have high quality pieces of public art, and this is a high quality piece, provided they maintain it.

“I would essentially say it is a good thing but the real issue is the administration delivering on its promise to regenerate Poole.”

Cllr Steve Baron, lead member for Poole rejuvenation and regeneration said: “It’s great to see work getting underway to install our new landmark gateway sculpture for the Hunger Hill area of Poole.

“Made from stainless steel and taking the form of rope bottle knot, it will celebrate the area’s unique maritime and shipbuilding heritage.

“It will also be illuminated internally by LED lights, making it visible and eye-catching at dusk and at night.

“This artwork marks the conclusion of a scheme which has over the last few years delivered a series of improvements to local walking and cycling infrastructure, as well as a more attractive public realm.

“Its addition will help to further generate a sense of pride in place and complement our wider regeneration plans for Poole – making the area a great place to live, work, study, visit and play.”