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Iconic Yates's to be reborn
BLACKPOOL'S iconic Yates's Wine Lodge is to be reborn.
The site of the iconic building – demolished after the Talbot Square inferno – will be transformed into a piece of public art.
Council bosses were forced to knock down the rotunda and surrounding wall after they building were deemed unsafe.
But now Pilling artist Sarah Galloway, will turn the derelict site into a 20,000 piece of art featuring celebrities and famous Blackpool landmarks.
She said: "I wanted to create an artwork that reflects the best of the resort. It has been a privilege to create a major artwork for such a prominent and well-loved space in town."
Hoardings surrounding the site will be decorated with art to improve the look of the building site.
Thornton singing sensation Little Boots, aka Victoria Hesketh, is one of the celebrities featured, along with comedian Alan Carr.
Blackpool Tower, the Winter Gardens, Central Pier, the Grand, Central Library and the Imperial Hotel are also included.
The Yates's complex has lain in ruin since it was gutted by fire on February 15.
In April, a meeting was held between council workers, structural engineering experts, insurers and the building's owner, to decide the fate of the rotunda, which they had hoped to save.
But the rotunda was deemed a hazard and removed immediately. It was hoped to retain the Talbot Road wall as a basis for rebuilding bit it was also deemed dangerous in May and pulled down.
It is not known what will be built on the site.
Coun Maxine Callow, cabinet member for tourism and regeneration, said: "The council is hopeful Blackpool will see an iconic building rising out of the ashes.
"However, it is likely rebuilding work will take some time and in the interim we don't want the area to look shabby. The new artwork will provide a vibrant show while the future of the site is decided."
The artwork includes large-scale photographs as well as handpainted pieces. Ms Galloway said: "Knowing the artwork may be in place for some time I wanted to create a design that would have lasting interest for locals and visitors."
The artist created the feature staircase in Palatine Library, which was opened in 2006, as well as the Enlightenment light installation, which was used on the Promenade during last year's Festival of Light.
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
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