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Final stage of fountain project about to start

Tuesday, 7 January 2025 10:03

The full-size galvanised steel sculpture for the new Ilkley fountain

Improving Ilkley has announced that the final installation works for the new fountain will commence in mid-January.

The charity is hopeful that the restored gravity-fed fountain will once again be flowing with moorland water by the end of the month for the first time in many years.

The civic celebration of the project will take place on April 30th when Alan Titchmarsh CBE has very kindly offered to formally open this restored landmark at the centre of the town. More information about this event will be issued nearer the time.

Matthew Ward, Chair of the Trustees of Improving Ilkley says:

“This is an exciting final stage in the journey of this local project. Following the competition to select the design, Yorkshire blacksmith James Wilkinson was commissioned to make and fabricate the original artist’s maquette into a scale model and create the full-size galvanised steel sculpture. Dakins Developments were selected to carry out the required restoration and engineering work. Throughout the project, local experts, the artists and Improving Ilkley trustees have worked in collaboration to enable this unique community project to come to fruition. Engineer Ian Whitlam designed and managed the way in which the water flowing off the moor is funnelled into the underground pipes and emerges at the fountain site, making key decisions along the way about how far the original Victorian network of pipes could be used and adapted, and architect Anthony Barnett has designed and overseen the seamless integration of all the different components.”

Louise Hepworth-Wood, Trustee, adds:

“This creative town project could not have been possible without the amazing support from the Ilkley community. We are truly thankful for the support which has enabled us to get to this amazing moment.”

Due to the work taking place over autumn and winter, the flowerbeds will not be planted out by the time the fountain is operational in January, although spring bulbs will be in the ground. Jo Jarvis, Trustee, says:

“One of the many special donations we have had is from Moss & Moor who will be giving a large number of plants in early spring so that the flower beds are full by the formal opening in April”.

The newly working fountain, inspired by Sphagnum moss, will coincide with the completion of a phase of crucial moorland restoration work on Ilkley Moor. Richard Brewster, Conservation Works Officer, Moors for the Future Partnership, says of the fountain:

“It is wonderful to see this celebration of Sphagnum Moss, a tiny plant which plays a vital role in holding water on the moors, and storing carbon for future generations. With help from volunteers, Friends of Ilkley Moor, BMDC and Rebel Restoration, Moors for the Future Partnership will have planted over 60,000 sphagnum plants on Ilkley Moor by March 2025 and the design of this fountain will help to highlight the concept of a sustainable future.”

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