Controversial £310,000 Solar Gate sculpture nears completion in park

THE FINAL piece in the jigsaw of the £25m revamp of Hull has got under way with the installation of a 10m sculpture, Solar Gate, forming a grand new entrance to a city-centre park.

The sculpture – dubbed The Cheesegrater – was originally destined to mark the spot where the gates of Hull were famously shut on King Charles I.

But after a barrage of criticism, councillors eventually agreed it should go in nearby Queen’s Gardens.

Its eyewatering cost – £310,000 – will no doubt continue to provoke debate.

Yesterday it appeared to be dividing opinion, with some praising its striking looks, while others were unimpressed.

A flat-bed lorry with police escort and two cranes were used to bring it into the gardens and manoeuvre it into place. Installation will take a number of weeks to complete.

It has been designed to act as a sundial, highlighting 16 key dates that have shaped the history of Hull.

Council leader Coun Steve Brady said: “Not only is Solar Gate unique, it’s an incredibly clever concept that Tonkin Liu have developed. Big thanks must go to Hull company Pearlgreen Engineering for taking on this challenging project and doing an amazing job.”

The artwork – which tapers to just 10cm – takes lessons from 500 million years of evolution in sea shell form, to make a very strong and light piece, produced with the latest digital technologies.

Mike Tonkin from Tonkin Liu said they were delighted to be “delivering a truly innovative structure.”