First images of Gracie Fields statue revealed

Gracie Fields statue

The first image of how the Rochdale’s Gracie Fields statue could look has been released.

A council planning application has been put in for a 6ft high statue of the ‘daughter of Rochdale’ and is set to be erected outside the town hall later this year.

The statue will mark the end of a heritage trail currently taking place around town where plaques are being uncovered at key locations, including Gracie’s birthplace on Molesworth Street.

Frank Hauxwell, Rotary Club of Rochdale East, said: “We applied for and were successful in obtaining a grant from GrantScape of £40,000. Together with money paid by other entities who make social fund payments for construction in the town, there is now sufficient funds for the project to go forward and we have agreed that the procurement of the statue will be taken on by the council officers to ensure compliance with the complex planning and procurement regulations for such work.

“The Rotary Club of Rochdale East has worked alongside council officers, Councillor Janet Emsley, Cabinet Holder for Culture and Tourism, and Seb Lassandro, who chairs the Dame Gracie Fields Appreciation Society, in the selection of the sculptor and design of the statue and its eventual location in the Town Centre.

“It is hoped to complete the project by Spring 2016 and to integrate it as closely as possible with the opening of the River in the Butts area of the town centre.”

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Gracie Fields was a real Rochdale success story who enjoyed worldwide success at the height of her career.

"Although, she was made a freeman of our borough in 1937 and she opened the Gracie Fields theatre in 1979, we feel it’s only fitting that we recognise her contribution with a permanent tribute. She’s an important part of our heritage and I want all our residents and visitors to be able to celebrate that.”