National Forest opens up to the sky
15 December 2005 | The National Forest in Leicestershire is the preferred site for the Sky Vault, the proposed landmark that will come to represent the East Midlands, it has been announced.
It is proposed that the Sky Vault, a single structure consisting of a large cable net suspended on each side from steel arches, will span a section of the A42 within The National Forest.
The National Forest was selected ahead of four other proposed sites, after months of exploration, presentations and negotiations.
The judging panel said that as an established area free from strong, symbolic association with one particular county, The National Forest was the best site for a landmark intended to represent the region.
Tom Hughes, one of the judges, said: "Bids from the National Forest and Newark and Sherwood District Council made it to the final stage of assessment. Both presentations were very strong. However, it was felt that the National Forest site presents the Sky Vault team with the best opportunity to deliver a project that the whole of the East Midlands community can identify with."
"This will help to develop a sense of ownership throughout the region and will help when promoting Sky Vault nationally and internationally."
Now the Sky Vault team, a steering board of specialist consultants put in place to develop the project, will get down to pinpointing the best design and location for the structure in order to minimise environmental impact, light pollution and to ensure ease of access.