Visitors will soon be able to experience the town in a completely new way as an ambitious public art project transforms part of the town into a vibrant open-air art gallery.
Largs Community Development Trust has secured funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund – Communities and Place Fund to create a distinctive street decorations spanning Boyd Street, Nelson Street and School Street, bringing together public art, creative spaces and community-led cultural activities.
New sculpture trail for ‘arts quarter’ in Largs. (Image: Largs Community Development Trust)
Trust chair Heather Meldrum said: “The first phase of the project has seen a metal sculpture installed on the gable wall of the Trust’s premises on Boyd Street, complemented by twelve bespoke metal sculptures mounted on lampposts throughout the surrounding streets.
New sculpture trail for ‘arts quarter’ in Largs. (Image: Largs Community Development Trust)
“Together, they will form an outdoor sculpture trail, encouraging residents and visitors alike to stop, explore and discover a different side of Largs.”
The sculptures have been commissioned from North Ayrshire metal artist Ben Wynn, whose work is renowned for transforming steel into imaginative pieces that tell stories and create lasting landmarks.
New sculpture trail for ‘arts quarter’ in Largs. (Image: Largs Community Development Trust)
Heather continued: “The project is about far more than public art. It is part of a long-term vision to establish a creative destination that celebrates the town’s heritage, inspires local pride and attracts new visitors throughout the year.”
Research consistently shows that high-quality public art helps regenerate town centres by creating attractive spaces where people want to spend time.
Increased visitor dwell time benefits cafés, shops and independent businesses while helping create a stronger local economy.
New sculpture trail for ‘arts quarter’ in Largs. (Image: Largs Community Development Trust)
The sculpture trail will also provide free, accessible art that can be enjoyed by everyone at any time, turning ordinary streets into an outdoor gallery open every day of the year.
North Coast councillor Alan Hill added: “We want people to see Boyd Street not simply as somewhere to pass through, but as somewhere to visit, explore and enjoy.
“These sculptures will give the area its own unique identity while celebrating creativity and making art accessible to everyone.
New sculpture trail for ‘arts quarter’ in Largs. (Image: Largs Community Development Trust)
“Whether you’re a resident walking to the shops or a visitor discovering Largs for the first time, we hope the sculptures will encourage you to slow down, look around and experience the town differently.”
“By combining creativity with regeneration, the Trust hopes to create a lasting legacy that benefits residents, businesses and visitors alike while demonstrating how arts and culture can play a central role in revitalising town centres.”
Visit Largs: Heather Meldrum and Alan Hill (Image: Newsquest)
Residents are encouraged to follow Largs Community Development Trust’s social media channels for behind-the-scenes updates as the Arts Quarter comes to life.