Share tales of Middleton's famous faces

Tim Rushton's design celebrating the Middleton Archers.

Middleton residents are being invited to share tales about town’s past for a £100,000 art feature.

Artist Tim Rushton was appointed last year following a public consultation to create the landscape feature which is being financed by Tesco.

Now that the former swimming pool and civic centre are being cleared to make way for a new Tesco store, Mr Rushton is progressing designs for the landscaped feature. He is appealing for any photographs, facts, stories or any other interesting information to help bring the artwork to life.

Mr Rushton will consider any material sent in before he finalises the designs. They will then be incorporated into stainless steel banners and decorative cast iron floor panels which along with seating and trees will provide a new link between the Tesco store and the town centre near Middleton Gardens.

The people, places and historical events Mr Rushton is working on include:

• Architect Edgar Wood
• Poet Samuel Bamford
• The march to Peterloo
• Middleton Archers
• Middleton Township Crests
• Old Canky the grave robber
• The Langley coat of arms and Thomas Langley
• The silk and dyeing industries
• Tonge Co-operative
• Jim Allen playwright
• The Moonrakers
• The River Irk, the Whit Brook and the Wince Brook
• Lees Brewery

Mr Rushton said: “I look forward to receiving any relevant information that will help us to celebrate the history of Middleton. I would like the work to portray a true reflection of Middleton’s past, but in a modern, fresh way to create an area in the town centre that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Mr Rushton will start creating the landscaped artwork in spring next year ahead of the store opening in summer.

Chairman of Middleton Township, Councillor Peter Williams said: “It is important that all aspects of Middleton’s history are celebrated in the town. This is a great opportunity for people to share any useful information, memories or experiences, which could help shape the art feature.”

Rochdale Development Agency has helped to manage the project. Martin Ledson, Project Officer, said: “The artwork will complement other developments helping to regenerate the town centre including the new Middleton Arena, the bus station and improvements to the shopping centre. The Tesco store is expected to create more than 200 new local jobs, with half guaranteed for the long-term unemployed.”