‘A Leap of Faith’ for the Stewartstown Road

Social Development Minister Alex Attwood today unveiled ‘Leap of Faith’, a specially designed sculpture for the Colin Gateway Environmental Improvement Scheme on the Stewartstown Road.

The sculpture depicts a group of 22 children jumping over an obstacle, representing the leap of faith that all young people must take as they mature and enter adulthood.

Speaking at the event the Minister praised the work of all those involved in the design of the sculpture, particularly the 2nd year art class of the local St Colm’s High School.

Alex Attwood said: “I am impressed by this sculpture. It symbolises the faith and hope of the community in the future of this area. With everyone working together the further potential for Colin is great.

“The sculpture marks the first phase of the Colin Gateway Project which will deliver environmental improvement along the Stewartstown Road. I hope that local people will be proud of the sculpture and the message that it represents.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge the contribution of the community, in particular the pupils of St Colm’s High School, who were involved in shaping the final design of the sculpture. This significant piece will become an integral part of the environment in the Colin area.”

On behalf of Lisburn City Council Councillor Jenny Palmer, Chairman of the Council’s Economic Development Committee, said: “Lisburn City Council is pleased to play its part, in partnership with the local community, the Neighbourhood Partnership and the Department, in establishing this important piece of public art on the Stewartstown Road. This sculpture makes a confident statement for the future, and sends out a very positive signal regarding the wider environmental regeneration programme that will commence in the coming months.”

The Colin Gateway project aims to deliver significant environmental improvements along the Stewartstown Road area defined by the McKinstry and Teeling roundabouts and is the first incremental stage in the overall social, economic, environmental and community development of the area.

Notes to editors:

1. The Leap of Faith sculpture is the first product of the £3.1million Colin Gateway project.
2. The longer term aim is the creation of a town centre for the Colin area.
3. The Leap of Faith sculpture was produced by the Paul Hogarth Company in consultation with the local community, in particular pupils from St Colm’s High School.
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