A group of Worthing artists and businesses are backing ambitious plans
to rebuild London's Skylon - but think it would look better on Worthing
seafront than its previous home on London's South Bank.
The Skylon was the iconic landmark at the centre of the 1951 Festival
of Britain, and its 300 foot high rocket shape was a dramatic,
futuristic addition to London's post-war skyline. Architects and
artists are hoping to rebuild the Skylon to mark the 60th
anniversary of the Festival of Britain in 2011, and have launched a
national 'Rebuild The Skylon' campaign.
But the original site has been redeveloped and the Skylon would today
be dwarfed by a neighbouring office block and the London Eye. So the
campaign, led by Jack Pringle, chairman of the Royal Institute of
British Architects, is looking for alternative locations.
And a group, launched by Worthing artists Dan Thompson and Jon Tutton,
are suggesting Worthing as a good home for the iconic structure. In
particular, they are suggesting the area around the south of Beach
House Park, home to a set of beach chalets topped off by a 1950s
clocktower, built by public subscription. The rebuilt Skylon would match the
current buildings, and add a dramatic landmark to the 'Active Beach
Zone' proposed in Worthing's masterplan.
"We're at the start of a massive regeneration programme, with public
art at the centre of those plans," says Dan, "and the revamped Skylon
would sit perfectly among the rich art deco and 1950s architecture of
Worthing seafront."
The group hope to sway the national 'Rebuild The Skylon' vote, which starts on 10th July.
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