Chine Forest art installation in Holdenhurst Road is unveiled

The Chine Forest art installation is made up of seventeen steel columns of varying heights and boasts integrated light and sound elements.

Urban and public space designers at Dallas Pierce Quintero were commissioned to design and deliver the artworks, which evoke memories of Bournemouth’s famous chines and pines.

Read more: Holdenhurst Road work: 'Chine Forest' will be installed

As part of their design process, Dallas Pierce Quinter took into consideration local heritage and cultural themes of technology, innovation, and nature that were identified by local people during the Lansdowne Cultural Consultation held in 2020.

The transformed Fire Station Square with the artworks and space will be open to bookings via BCP Council from local businesses, organisations and groups.

The aim is to draw visitors to Lansdowne, with entertainment and activities that encourage people to spend more time enjoying the area’s independent business district.

To show off the new event space, Holdenhurst Road played host to an array of pop-up entertainment, with dance, musical and walkabout theatre performances marking the special occasion.

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The artworks and event space are the final elements to be delivered within the initial phases of BCP Council’s Lansdowne programme.

This delivery of improvement works began in 2021 and has seen a series of positive changes to the public realm on Holdenhurst Road. This includes the widening of pedestrian areas, high quality paving, lighting, as well as attractive street furniture, seating and planters.

Chris Shephard, director of economic development at BCP Council said: “It’s great to celebrate this new space and artwork with partners who helped to make it possible, and those who will benefit most from the many improvements that we have made to the area.

An artists impression of the totem poles

“It’s been a long journey and I look forward to seeing events brought forward and hosted here, as well as seeing the Chine Forest artwork capture people’s imagination.

Read more: “Chine Forest” approved for Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth

“Our vision is that investment will now also create a springboard for attracting future investment in Lansdowne, improving the prospects of local businesses and enhancing the area as a great place to live, work, study and enjoy.’’

To deliver these improvements £4.8 million in government funding was secured through Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund.

A further £2.9 million of council match funding from local contributions was also allocated. The commitment to fund the programme was made as early as 2017 and could not be spent or allocated elsewhere.

A BCP Council Spokesperson said: “The artworks have been delivered as part of the Lansdowne Transformation programme.

"For this programme £4.8 million in government funding was secured through Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund and a further £2.9 million of council match funding from local contributions was also made. 

"This funding was secured specifically for investment into the Lansdowne area and could not be spent elsewhere or reallocated.

"As part of the funding agreement, we committed to deliver a number of must have elements, including cultural aspects such as art and public realm event spaces.

“A design and financial commitment for the Chine Forest artworks of £450,000 was formalised over three years ago. This covers design, a long-term maintenance agreement, manufacturing costs and integrated sound and light elements.”