Wigan primary school named runners up in national construction art competition 15th Jul 2019
A primary school in Wigan and the civil engineering firm appointed to the A49 link road project have been recognised for their entry into an art contest with a difference.
Worsley Mesnes Primary School Ivor Goodsite Hoarding Competition
And thanks to the school’s Year 5 class, the civil engineering contractor’s Wigan A49 link road site now boasts the style of renowned American pop art artist Charles Fazzino, as his colourful and three-dimensional approach helped inspire the pupils.
Their creation, which spells out the Isaac Newton quote ‘we build too many walls and not enough bridges’, has been placed on hoarding at Warrington Road and Poolstock Lane, where one of three bridges is under construction as part of the highway build .
As a reward for their artistic efforts, the primary school received a trophy, fun packs, medals, and certificates, while Jones Bros awarded a certificate and banner to display at the site.
The scheme has helped the pupils develop their creative skills, as well as learn more about the on-going construction works in their home town, says Janette Southern, art leader at Worsley Mesnes Primary School.
She said: “The children are thrilled with their runners-up place, having put a lot of time and effort into creating something for the whole community to enjoy.
“As a school, we focus on our ‘growth mindset’, which is all about perseverance and effort. This project was a perfect fit, as it gave the class the opportunity to develop and improve their work over a number of weeks.
“The pupils are very aware of the A49 link road project, as many of them live near the scheme, and seeing their art work become part of it has given them a real sense of purpose, and made all of us at Worsley Mesnes proud.”
Yvonne Meakin, public liaison officer at Jones Bros, added: “Having already visited the school to teach pupils about the world of civil engineering, we were pleased to partner with them for this competition.
“As a company, we always engage with the local communities we work in, and following the hard work of the year 5 pupils, our site has been brightened up with a fantastic piece of art.”
Jones Bros’ previous visit to the primary school saw the pupils take on the ICE bridge challenge, in which they were given the chance to build a miniature version of the Second Severn Crossing bridge.
The Ruthin-based firm is leading the construction of the A49 link road for Wigan Council, which upon completion will connect Warrington Road and Goose Green to Westwood Park and the town centre at the Poolstock and Chapel Lane junction.
The new highway is part of a wider plan for investment in the borough’s road network and is in line with the council’s commitment to generating economic growth and improving infrastructure.
The A49 scheme has been made possible through funding support from the Greater Manchester Combines Authority’s Growth Deal pot, which is managed by Transport for Greater Manchester.
Established in the 1950s, the civil engineering contractor is now being run by the second and third generations of the founding family, employs more than 350 people, and has recruited more than 100 apprentices during the past three years.
In addition to highways , it works on the construction of waste management facilities , renewable energy , and flood and marine defence projects around the UK.