PLANS are now in place to make a 2.4-metre-tall sculpture of the face of a writer. 

Robert Louis Stevenson’s head will be split into two halves, with one side in Corten and the other in marine grade stainless steel. 

BCP Council has said this plays with the notion of dark and light, Jekyll and Hyde – the gothic novella written by the Scottish author. 

He is celebrated in Bournemouth because he wrote the novel while in Westbourne, having moved to the area in 1884 for more sunshine and sea air. 

BCP Council has submitted a planning application to bring the artist Tim Ward’s sculpture to Alum Chine near the amenities where the chine meets the footpath to the beach. 

It will be funded from the £19.994million government grant given to BCP Council as part of the levelling up fund along the seafront (half of the money is spent on repairing Bournemouth Pier). 

The Public Art Interventions Programme comprises of 13 projects: 12 will deliver public art displays along the coastline and the 13th will be a heritage and cultural trail. 

Alum Chine was chosen as a location that needed art because it was deemed one of the highest deprived areas for artwork and it’s also where residents are most likely to visit. 

A design and access statement said: “This location was assessed for its physical attributes, its cultural significance and its links to local heritage. 

“Consideration was given to public safety, the local wildlife and ecology, residential amenity, local environment and context and accessibility.  

“Using this information and discussions with stakeholders, the subject matter for the site was determined for interpretation by the chosen artist.  

“Engagement with local stakeholders and council teams were held to provide input into the development of the piece of art.” 

It’s believed that the artwork will have a lifespan of more than 30 years and will need “minimal” maintenance. 

The statement added: “Durability and resilience to the coastal environment has been accounted for in the design and choice of materials for the artwork.” 

The author is also celebrated in Westbourne with a road named after him, Robert Louis Stevenson Avenue.