Fancy Transforming the Tueries?

NEWS RELEASE

A new and exciting project designed to enhance Alcester's Tueries is being led by the local community group, Advantage Alcester Market Town Partnership, in conjunction with artists Steve Field and Richard Ellis of the Public Art Unit at Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council.  To help make this dream a reality, fresh promotional opportunities are being opened up to local businesses that have an interest in boosting the town's economy.

The project intends to transform three of Alcester's unique selection of medieval alleyways, also known as Tueries, for the benefit of local people, local businesses and visitors.  Oak Tuery, Bulls Head Yard and Market Way will each receive a customised makeover that will improve lighting and floor paving whilst creating attractive open spaces, imaginative murals and historical gateway features.

All local businesses are invited to contribute to this long-term artistic venture by becoming involved in supporting an aspect of the development.  Aspects could range from sponsoring a Roman themed floor inset into paving to backing gateway features such as fingerposts and lighting columns identifying the entrance of each Tuery.  Contributions will allow Alcester to transform the Tueries by highlighting key historical aspects of the town through artistic measures.  This will make Alcester a more appealing place to live whilst helping to boost the town's economy by attracting a greater proportion of South Warwickshire's tourists.

The project is supported by Stratford-on-Avon District Council, Warwickshire County Council, Alcester Town Council and the regional development agency, Advantage West Midlands. 

John Mattocks, Board Member of Advantage Alcester, said: "Alcester's Tueries are convenient routes for pedestrians but have become neglected, desolate, dark, dirty and threatening.  Advantage Alcester, as part of its plan to promote tourism and business in the town, aims to make them clean, safe and pleasant by using a careful combination of civic art and architectural expertise.  We are looking at surfacing, decorating and lighting, which will transform the Tueries into routes that people will be happy to use."

Val Harris, the project's manager at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said: "Making the centre of Alcester more attractive by enhancing the Tueries is essential to improving residential quality of life and the perception of first time visitors to the town.  By leading on this project, Advantage Alcester is working towards drawing more trade to the town and thus bringing increased commercial opportunities for local businesses."

A stakeholder meeting is arranged at the end of June to make the final decisions on the choices of design for the different elements of public art.  All businesses interested in publicly stamping their mark on Alcester should contact Val Harris, using the contact details below.