THE history and the future of Kidderminster’s former Sugar Beet Factory site are being captured on hoardings surrounding Wyre Forest’s new leisure centre.

Wyre Forest District Council has commissioned mural artist Sian Davis to create a large scale temporary public artwork on the hoardings at the building site.

Sian started work at the Silverwoods site in Kidderminster earlier this month. The hoardings will feature images of the industrial heritage of the site as well as drawings of people taking part in the sorts of activities which will be available at the new leisure centre.

Sian, who is from Malvern, knows the site well as she used to go to the factory to paint before it was demolished.

She said: “I was really keen to be involved in this exciting project. The brief was very diverse and I’ve tried to incorporate two separate styles.

“The history of the site will be depicted with gutsy photo style black and white drawings and the leisure activities with bold bright icons which stand out. They work well intertwining around the hoardings. ”

The new leisure centre will include a sports hall, six lane 25m swimming pool, learner pool, fitness suite, dance studios, climbing wall and small-sided outdoor pitches.

It will also have a cafe with viewing areas, a double height children’s adventure play area, a health suite with sauna and steam room and free parking.

Artist impressions of the centre, a virtual tour of the site and building progress photographs are available to view on the Council’s website www.wyreforestdc.gov.uk/newleisurecentre. The centre is being built and managed by Places for People Leisure Ltd.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of Wyre Forest District Council said: “The new leisure centre is located in the middle of the new Silverwoods development.

“The temporary public artwork will be a fantastic addition to the building site. We are pleased with the progress of the building which looks set to be fully enclosed by the New Year.

“When the centre opens next summer it will be a great facility offering more fantastic leisure opportunities for the community. The centre will save the Council and tax payers £390,000 per year and due to the preferential borrowing rates we have already achieved a further £180,000 to date against the original business case.”

The artwork on the hoardings is due to be complete by mid-December.