Sculptor creates new carved stone gateways to celebrate heritage of Spen Bottoms
School pupils and members of the community have helped shape new sculptures celebrating Spen Bottoms’ history and wildlife, as improvement works progress at the green space in Cleckheaton.
The carved stone features will be installed at the Church Street car park and Station Road entrances, creating distinctive gateways that welcome visitors and “reflect what makes Spen Bottoms special”.
The designs were developed through workshops led by Yorkshire-based sculptor Dan Jones, bringing together ideas from pupils at Howard Park Primary School, community representatives and ward councillors.
During a workshop at the school, pupils shared their ideas, drawings and designs before presenting them to members of the Spen Bottoms Partnership Group and two councillors. Community representatives and councillors then contributed their own sketches, ideas and feedback, helping to shape the final designs.
Work is progressing on site, with footpath surfacing at St Peg Recreation Ground which, once complete, will then move onto improvements at Church Street car park and the Station Road entrance.
At Church Street car park, the planned improvements include resurfacing, a new access gate and stone entrance posts to help define the entrance. Work will also protect trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order and support their long-term health.
At Station Road, the first stage of improvements will include resurfacing, small planting areas and carved stone features to create a more welcoming entrance for people accessing Spen Bottoms on foot.
The work forms part of the wider Spen Bottoms Masterplan, which sets out a long-term vision for improving access and recreation while protecting the area's heritage, wildlife and green spaces.