A primary school has celebrated the success of an arts project inspired by the exciting transformation of the former Northallerton Prison site with a special assembly and parade.
Pupils from Mill Hill Community Primary School in Northallerton created a giant bird sculpture – with each child making a special feather – which was unveiled at a celebration event for the whole school, parents and guests to enjoy.
The project was led by artist Karen Andrew and supported by Wykeland Group and Hambleton District Council who are working together on the redevelopment of the former Northallerton Prison site, almost next door to Mill Hill School.
Rebecca Bainbridge, Headteacher at Mill Hill, said: “This project has offered a range of wonderful experiences which have developed the children in our school as individuals, as part of a group, and as a whole.
“This project has allowed us to flourish and every child and adult within the school has gained something special from their involvement.”
From left, Kate Staines, Arts and Recreation Officer at Hambleton District Council; Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director at Wykeland Group; Rebecca Bainbridge, Headteacher at Mill Hill CP School; Elaine Burke, Community Engagement Consultant at Wykeland Group; and Karen Andrew, lead artist; with pupils from Mill Hill CP School.
Hull-based regeneration company Wykeland Group is a long-standing sponsor of the arts and supports projects such as this as part of an ongoing commitment to involve the community and help develop the skills, aspirations and creativity of local children and young people.
The school project is linked to the £17m Treadmills scheme which will see new retail units, restaurants, a cinema, offices and a new civic square on the former Northallerton Prison site. The project is being delivered by the Central Northallerton Development Company (CNDC), a joint venture between Hambleton District Council and Wykeland.
Jonathan Stubbs, Development Director of Wykeland and a CNDC Board member, said: “It’s wonderful to see the children so inspired by this project and so excited to share their work with the whole school community.”
Elaine Burke, Wykeland’s Community Engagement Consultant who manages the project, said: “We designed the Imaginosity project specifically to draw inspiration from the redevelopment of the prison into the new Treadmills scheme.
“We are delighted that this project has made such a difference to pupils we are proud of our partnership with Mill Hill Community Primary School.”
