The Sleeping Legionary, designed by artist Louis Smith, will be installed near Fairlands Farmhouse in Fairlands Valley Park, after Stevenage Borough Council’s Planning and Development Committee green lit the application on Thursday, June 4.
“Stevenage lies along the route of Ermine Street – the Roman road that once connected London to York,” said artist Louis.
“While there is no clear evidence of a large Roman settlement, the Six Hills tumuli are powerful physical reminders that this landscape was deeply significant nearly 2,000 years ago.
“The story behind the piece imagines a group of Roman soldiers leaving the road at night and setting up camp among these burial mounds, unaware of exactly who lies beneath them, but comforted by their presence.
“This mixture of known history and mystery is central to the work.”
Louis explained that the sculpture would be made from Jesmonite AC730, an acrylic-modified micro-concrete that is “designed to last for many decades with minimal maintenance.”
The plans were met with opposition from some residents, who took issue with the amount of money being spent on the project and where it was coming from.
In response, Cllr Tom Plater, Cabinet Member for Resources and Transformation at Stevenage Borough Council confirmed the £48,000 would come from the Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board, rather than taxpayers money.
“The Roman statue planning application relates to the new public artwork commissioned as part of the Heart Trails,” he said.
“The project in its entirety has been funded by the previous government’s Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board.
“Our council prides itself on delivering over 120 services for Stevenage residents, which includes waste and recycling collections, tackling antisocial behaviour in our town, and delivering sports and leisure facilities.
“Residents can be reassured that the money that funds these vital services has not been spent on this project.
“For further information, visit www.stevenage.gov.uk/news-and-events/news/stevenage-heart-trails-launch-to-showcase-town-art.”