Ref: PR1948
Date: 08/10/08

The water wonderland that will be a key feature of the Bull Ring's refurbishment is about to hit a major milestone.

The water feature has been designed as a series of 48 circular arching jets, which will create a tunnel of water for people to walk through - without necessarily staying dry.

And after sunset, creative lighting will transform the feature into an iconic landmark which will hopefully attract even more visitors to the city.

November will see a milestone reached when the feature's plant room is installed on site - with overall completion for the refurbishment of the Bull Ring area due in Autumn 2009.

Cllr Denise Jeffery, Wakefield Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for regeneration, said: "This new water feature will look amazing and really bring something new and exciting into the city centre and especially the Bull Ring.

"The Council want to encourage people to visit and socialise in the city centre. When completed, the water feature will be a major step towards achieving this and create something for everyone in the city to be truly proud of and impress visitors from other areas."

National water feature experts The Fountain Workshop Limited have been commissioned by Wakefield Council to design, construct and coordinate the installation of the attraction. They are currently completing the construction of the plant room and have carried out a demonstration of how part of the fountain will look.

The water jets will fit flush to the floor, with water rising out from the ground into a central area. When switched off there will be nothing rising above ground allowing the area to be used for events and activities. Based on The Fountain Workshop's years of experience they are able to produce water features that are durable, reliable and efficient.

The company will also train Council staff to run and maintain the feature, which will be patrolled by Neighbourhood Patrollers, Police Community Support Officers and CCTV.

The water feature is one part of a major scheme to refurbish the Bull Ring, Westmorland Street and The Springs. Phase one includes installing the feature and improving road and pedestrian links to the new Trinity Walk retail scheme, the market hall, bus stations and existing shopping centres.

Shoppers and visitors are reminded that it is business as usual for shops, businesses and cafes in the Bull Ring area and along Northgate and Union Street while work is ongoing.

The public realm improvements, which follow on from major public consultation, are being co-ordinated by Wakefield Council's Urban Centres Management team.

For more information on the scheme, visit the Bull Ring regeneration web pages (see links).

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