Nottingham-based art and landscape design company Wolfgang and Heron, together with Bildurn Properties, who are developing the square as part of their Lace Market Square scheme, received the grant from Arts & Business New Partners to increase the quality and quantity of the artwork in the central public square.

The 11,000 sq ft public square will feature natural trees, oak seating and quality stonework creating a vibrant public space sympathetic to the local architectural history. Within the space are bronze sculptural trees, whose leaf canopies draw from the filigree of lace design.

The open nature of the square, planned using the "Secure by Design" industry standard, allows for flexible access and use by everyone. The square will have a soft and sensitive ambience, and provide a link between the Adams Building and the new development.

Granite terraces, formally clipped beech and box hedges, and individually-designed oak seating will allow areas for rest and relaxation and views onto other sections of the square, and the rows of small trees will create dappled shade, with the complimentary bronze trees adding interest and surprise.

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The public square is central to the Lace Market Square development scheme, which has been designed by architects Franklin Ellis and comprises 46 high-quality apartments, retail space and secure underground parking.

The development is now well underway, and the development is due to be completed in 2007.

Fiona Heron, Director of Wolfgang and Heron said: "This grant enables us to add refinement to the spirit we are trying to achieve within our design for the square. Our approach is not to bolt art onto the landscape but to take an overall creative approach to the landscape right from the outset. Arts & Business New Partners provides us with a unique opportunity to work closely with a committed developer to fulfil the scheme's potential."

Debbie Read, Director of Arts & Business East Midlands said: "I am delighted that we are investing in the Lace Market Square through Arts & Business New Partners, helping to further develop the innovative creative partnership between Bildurn Properties and Wolfgang and Heron. This project demonstrates a high quality, exemplary partnership which I'm certain will act as an excellent model for future relationships between artists and developers. It demonstrates clearly how artists working with businesses can bring about real rewards for each other and for the local community."

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Nigel Turpin, leader of Nottingham City Council's city centre and urban design team added: "An outdoor space in the Lace Market has been something that Nottingham City Council has wanted for some considerable time and we are delighted that Bildurn are creating a public space which will not only be attractive and useable, but also has considerable aesthetic appeal."

The Arts & Business New Partners investment will also support events, seminars and workshops for key stakeholders with the aim of introducing the public to Lace Market Square, sharing best practice with other property developers, and producing a best practice brochure.

ENDS

www.lacemarketsquare.co.uk

For further PR information, or for a jpeg image, contact Kathryn Greenwood at Eden PR on 0115 852 4717, fax 0115 950 9175 or email Kathryn@edenpr.co.uk

Notes to editors

Arts & Business New Partners was launched by Arts & Business in 2000 to provide a way for businesses to try something new with the arts. The programme provides cash investment and professional expertise to encourage and support new initiatives. By taking some of the financial risk, New Partners aims to invest in projects that benefit the companies and arts organisations directly involved. Nationally the programme has invested

£14.9 million, unlocking an additional £36.5 million in cash and in-kind sponsorship from the private sector.

Arts & Business New Partners is funded by the Arts Council of England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Arts & Business aspires to be the world's most successful and widespread creative network. It helps business people support the arts, and the arts inspire business people, because good business and great art together create a richer society.