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At 184
feet (56 metres) tall, B of the Bang will dwarf the Angel of the North
(65 ft) and will be three feet short of Nelson's column.
Tom
Heatherwick |
The
floodlit work of art will feature 180 tapered columns shooting from
its centre and will be erected next to the City of Manchester stadium
on the corner of Alan Turing Way and Ashton New Road.
The sculpture - to mark the success of the Games -is the idea of
designer Tom Heatherwick and it symbolises the burst of speed and
energy of an athlete as launches out of the blocks.
Its
title is believed to be inspired by a quote from sprinter Linford
Christie who said that he starts running at the moment a starting
pistol is fired - on the 'B of the bang'!
The
design by Tom Heatherwick - a former student at Manchester Polytechnic
- won a competition run by urban regeneration agency New East Manchester.
It could be in place by August 2003 - in time for Manchester City's
first season at the stadium.
It looks set to be a new landmark image for the city. So what
do you think? Got any better ideas? What sort of sculpture would
best represent Manchester?
Have
Your Say >>>
From
Selena in Lancashire
Please stop arguing over whether Manchester is better than Birmingham,
instead let's give either city support for doing anything to try and
compete with the over-bearing capital of this country. The south-east
has the most expenisve houses, more jobs, more money. Anything Manchester
and Birmingham can do to bring some attention away from London should
be applauded by anyone who doesn't want to see, in 50 years or so,
eighty percent of the nation struggling it out for jobs in south-east
because the rest of england has been forgotten about.
From
Jason Barnes in Manchester, UK
You have got to be joking!! we've had the waste of space hulme
bridge built, where already people have been caught hanging off it
in numerous protests, and now we're gonna have a potentially dangerous
sculpture sprung on us in our city...no thanks. Manchester doesn't
need landmarks to recognise Manchester as the REAL capital of England,
we're already great!
From
Romy in Kingston, Canada
How cool is this? I can't wait to get home and see it. Manchester
has been through a phase of rapid redevelopment over the past few
years and the city centre has really come to life. It is great that
the city has chosen to celebrate the success of the Games which was
truly a reflection of the spirit of the people of Manchester.
From
Cheryl in Manchester
I think it's pathetic. It's a waste of time and money and the structure
itself is very ugly.
From
Gavin in Manchester
Has anyone in Manchester been to the bus station underneath the arndale
center recently? Theres horrible ugly bricks hanging off the wall!
Has anyone been around most of the city center, since the games it
has gone downhill. It'd be REALLY nice to have 1.5million spent in
actually cleaning the city up!!!
From
madmcc in Donegal (ex Manc)
180 Spikes - Jaysus we can only manage one in Dublin! Looks good(ish)
on screen but then again it is only 2cm high - hard to tell what the
whole thing will look like when finished but I'm guessing it will
deffo have a few plod about it on derby day (just in case)
From
Scott in Middlesex
The world indoor athletics champs are a bit like the 'indoor soccer-sixes'
and will command a worldwide audience of apprximately 78 people. Birmingham
is an armpit. Manchester is the only city in England that can look
London in the eye as a cosmopolitan and diverse environment.
From
Old Bourny in Bournemouth
To Robbie of Birmingham: as a frequent traveller through your city,
i have to tell you that it does resemble a decaying church organ set
in concrete. It looks like a Damien Hirst disaster.
From
Jamie in Manchester
I think it looks stunning. Despite the back biting witnessed above,
i feel it's a good idea for all Cities to have such a monument. The
Angel of the North is a fine example. People above should put thier
energies into thiewr own Cities instead of having a pop at Manchester.
Jealousy is a terrible thing.
From
hristo in Chavertown
Yet another desperate attempt by Manchester Council for publicity.
It wouldn't surprise me if they engineered that earthquake earlier
in the year to get one over on Birmingham. Pathetic.
From
Robbo in Birmingham
Just to let you know Mark that if Birmingham erected a 56 metre tall
monument of metal pipes every time they held a prestigious event then
the whole city would resemble one huge church organ! In addition to
the World Indoor Athletics Championships, which involves ALL of the
world’s best athletes and not just second-rate pretenders from
Britain’s Imperial past, the list of events hosted in Birmingham
underlines it’s true international standing which Manchester
has somehow deluded itself as having overtaken. Birmingham’s
record speaks for itself, having hosted World Championships for the
sports of Ice Skating, Gymnastics, Judo, Squash and Badminton and
not forgetting 3 Ryder Cups. Add to that events such as the G8 Summit
of the world leaders, the International Olympic Committee summit,
a NATO summit, 2 full European Union summits, the Eurovision Song
Contest, the British International Motor Show and Crufts then I think
you start to get the idea. PS I think the giant wheel idea was rejected
some time ago for the exact reasons you sited. However, did you know
that Birmingham has now been given your Commonwealth games track for
use in the National Indoor Arena? Apparently it was damaged when they
received it. I can’t possibly imagine it being an act of spite,
probably just due to all that rain!
From
mark, manchester
I think its beautiful and inspirational and says a lot about the style
and ambition of Manchester. Birmingham on the other hand - whilst
not second city is proving to be second rate with small scale events
such as the world indoor athletics (a fraction of the competitors
and prestige of the commonwealth games). It also talks about building
a giant wheel as some sort of original iconic structure for the city.
This idea is clearly not only second rate but second hand and says
everything you need to know about Brum !!
From
Jay, Birmingham
well said robbo!! a few more neutral opinions on this gigantic hedgehog
will be much appreciated.. still you are the 2nd city, cant blame
you guys for giving it ago, but i feel you going "down", instaed of
"up"..
From
robbo, Birmingham
I suppose you need a large sculpture to remind you of the Commonwealth
Games as that is the only large scale event that you've ever held
in Manchester. PS If you want to see a true world class event the
WORLD Indoor Athletic Championships are being held in Birmingham's
National Indoor Arena this March.
From
bobski, manchester
its great
From
Robert Casey in Maastricht, Netherlands
Im not one for modern art, but this "Hedgehog of the North West"
looks to be very dynamic piece especially if it is complemented with
dramatic lighting. However, I cant help feeling that a more city centre
location would be better where a lot more people will get to see it,
rather than only football supporters and sports enthusiasts.
From
Jody, Manchester
Is it a good idea to have 180 sharpe pointed spikes outside of a football
stadium to be? How long will it be before 180 manchester united fans
find themselves impailed on the piece of art? Nice idea, but no...
From
Mike Moore in St.Helens
Fantastic - I'd love it outside my factory in St. Helens. Give
me 1st refusal if M'c'r says no.
From
RICHARD in WIGAN
GO FOR IT, EVERY TOWN AND CITY SHOULD HAVE A SYMBOLIC STRUCTURE,
IT WILL PROBABLY BE MORE POPULAR THAN THE DOME!
From
Jay in Altrincham
I don't have any particular feelings on this scheme. What Manchester
needs in the next 20 years of development is thousands more people
inhabiting the inner city (already started), and a greater critical
mass of industries, taller office buildings and better, much better
public transport.
From
yoshillybolacof/salford
i think that is the biggest lot of ka since the fish tank full
of pee
From
Gomez, not Levenshulme
build,build and build.we need as much cultural oddities in manchester
as we can get to brighten the place up.the next thing we really need
are skyscrapers to push us into the 21st century.
From
Brad in Manchester
Why is it important to say that this monument is 3 feet shorter than
Nelson's Column? Does size matter! What is important is that the people
of this city start to wake up and realise that we are second to nobody.
What happens here should not be compared to elsewhere. This boring
pretentious country is finally accepting that there is more to the
UK than London and Manchester is very astutely taking full advantage
of this.
From
james in Stockport UK
Eurgggh! looks horrible and tacky. Kind of like a 70's disco ball!
The Angle of the north really adds somthing to Newcastle/Gateshead.
It has style and class and is as relevant and historic as it is contemporary.
In comparison 'B of bang' will be a huge eyesore.
From
alex blyth in horwich, bolton
The debate about the function and relative merit of sculpture is an
emotive one. However, no-one who has visited the Angel of the North
would doubt sculpture's ability, at its best, to simultaneously amaze,
reassure and invigorate. I'm not sure that the same can be said for
180 rusty poles, though.
From
Robb in Manchester
From the artist's impression on this site, the "B" reminds me of a
1970's Christmas tree decoration. I am strongly in favour of art and
sculpture, especially in areas in need of urban renewal, but is this
the best we can offer?
From
Stuart in Stockport
errrrr....cool
From
CHIB, LANCASHIRE
EXCELLENT NOTION, BEAUTIFUL-LETS SUPPORT MANCHESTER AS A CITY OF THE
FUTURE.
From
Vicky, Stockport
Sculputures & art are all very well & I agree they do brighten the
city up. However, there is so much else in Manchester that needs to
be improved first such as special units in hospitals, NSPCC, housing,
public transport, public roads, local health services - the list goes
on. I'm assuming that the funding is coming from the Council Tax payers
& quite frankly, I can think of better things the money needs to be
spent on first. If there is money left in the pot at the end of the
day - then great idea - but it's about time people got their priorities
straight - that's the main problem with this country & it's getting
worse.
From
Chris, Manchester
Looks great on screen, pretty sure it will be much more impressive
in reality. MORE OF THIS TYPE OF THING IN MANCHESTER PLEASE. Still
prefer the Angel of the North though. On the other hand, who is paying
for it? Wouldn't the money be best spent on improving public transport?
- just a thought. Can't wait to see the final product though!
From
leif väisänen in swinton, manchester
i think that manchester should have more sculptures as it livens the
place up, even the ones that look a waste of time as it gets people
talking, and it brings life and sole to the city especally with the
lack of green spaces. refering to the distruction of picadilly gardens,
and the land fill left in its place.
From
GLT in Manchester
If Jeff lives in Ontario, why does he even care? I think it will be
fantastic, but it does look a bit like a memorial to the IRA bomb,
especially cos of the name!! At least it's not in the middle of town.
Nice one.
From
Alan Pollock in Bury
I'm sure that Alan Turing would have loved it! Why impose it on him
now?
From
Andrew in Castlefield
Nice one Manchester, it's about time we B for bang'ed into the sculpture/culture
front. I for one will not forget how GREAT the Commenwealth Games
made Manchester and the summer. Good luck Tom, one question though
why three feet short of Nelson's column?,why could we not have built
bigger and better.
From
Jonathan in Manchester
Great looking sculpture I can't wait to see the real thing. Well
done Manchester, I am so proud to live here.
From
Mari in Glazebury, Cheshire
What on earth is THAT?? The Angel of the North is impressive when
you drive past it but that starburst-like thing just looks overbearing.
From
Ross, Manchester
I work in Portland Tower in the heart of Manchester and already have
a fantastic view of the east side of the city and beyond. Presently,
this includes the brilliant stadium which was built, having the extra
dimension of the B of the Bang will be even more pleasing. Once again,
well done Manchester!!
From
Rederick in Blissvilleinthe90s
a great sculpture would be the premiership trophy maybe 7 of them
all shining in red and white but obviously not outside this stadium
From
Karen in Seattle, USA
As a Mancunian living in Seattle I only get home once a year.
This year I was home for the games and living near Belle Vue I was
perfectly placed to witness the amazing transformation of East Manchester.
I'm all for anything that keeps the spirit alive and beautifies a
once sad part of town. Plus they're about to get the greatest team
in the world so it's looking good for Beswick!
From
Simon Harrison in Dukenfield
being the biggest sculpture in Britain yet again does prove Manchester
is fast becoming the city to be seen in well done to the council.
From
Brynton Chester in Manchester
36 metres? I though it was more like 56 metres. Fantastic creature
this though. You can really gel with the submissive energy that pipes
off an atheletes hot legs. This will be a great welcome for the the
Sports City / East Manchester gateway. Give this place 5-10 years
and you will have one of the great area's of the UK. You mark my words,
what with nearby New Islington and thousands of homes being built
all in the shadow of the best stadium in the country and your on to
a winner. This B of the Bang will kick start this area into the 21st
Century.
From
Jeff in Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Hate the thing.Wrong part of the city for a thing like that.If
it must be built find a better location!
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