Resort chiefs in Cleethorpes are looking to team up with specialist contractors to build an iconic new structure to attract tourism.
The White Palm is a proposal by contemporary architectural artist Wolfgang Weileder for a new large-scale public sculpture for the North Promenade, approved through the planning system earlier this year.
Now, North East Lincolnshire Council is seeking a specialist fabrication company to work with him on the detailed design and fabrication of the structure.
Companies should register with YorTender to outline interest.
Officials hope a company within the local authority boundary will come forward, with submission assistance available.
The proposed artwork consists of a white artificial palm tree, taller than the Angel of the North at 22m, and paving that references its shadow at noon. The shadow paving underneath The White Palm will be partly made from recycled non-organic material collected from Cleethorpes beach. At night, The White Palm will be illuminated.
The company chosen will be required to work closely with the artist to develop the concept proposal through to detailed design, specification, and then carry out fabrication and installation of both the palm itself and the “shadow” on the paving.
Weileder describes himself as an artist whose practice is primarily concerned with the examination and critical deconstruction of architecture, public spaces and the interactions we have with the urban environment. His works are "investigations into the relationship between time and space, the interface between permanence and transience, and how these can be explored to question our understanding of the landscape, both built and natural".
Originally from Munich, Germany. He moved to the UK in 2000 and is currently Professor in Contemporary Sculpture at Newcastle University.
Work of his there has included The Cone at Dunston Staiths, Gateshead.
The White Palm is part of the North Prom public art project, funded through the Coastal Communities Fund, secured by CoastNEL and North East Lincolnshire Council. Other elements of the project include new lighting, street furniture which can be repurposed for fitness use and the shutter art project.
The pre-market consultation is available to view on www.yortender.co.uk, reference DN476497, and will close at noon on Monday, May 11.
For assistance email cleethorpesregeneration@nelincs.gov.uk.
