Aug 1 2005
Pedestrians pounding the streets of Luton have welcomed a new artistic feature attraction situated on Park Street.
'Luton Park Street Maze', a community project, has been constructed using a selection of pavers from Baggeridge including red, blue and buff dragfaced products which were specified by Luton Borough Council. The centrepiece features an eclectic mix of patterns, puzzles and images all of which have been designed by children from five primary schools within the town which reflect the bygone achievements of Luton craftspeople. It boasts educational qualities too, acting as an interactive tool for visitors who use the puzzles recreationally.
Pavers from Baggeridge have been laid in an intricate way around the outer rim of the maze with gives a plait-like appearance. In addition, the bricks also portray symbolic honeycomb, aircraft and football puzzles in recognition of Luton as a ‘hive' of industry, the town's historic link to aerospace and the success of the local football club. Finally, the centrepiece includes a Luton history timeline with swarming bees that illustrate key historic events.
Mal Hussain, acting business and inward investment team leader at Luton Borough Council said: “We wanted to construct the maze using a sustainable product and after considering a range of materials including concrete, we decided clay pavers would prove to be the best option.
“Colour retention and product durability were of major concern to us given the site is located in a busy town centre - not only have we been impressed with the load-bearing characteristics but also the aesthetic quality of the products which blend together to create a visually attractive and practical shopping environment.”
The maze, created by Luton Borough Council was funded largely from the Big Lottery Fund and Objective 2 European funding, with a contribution from local companies.