PLANS have been revealed for a major public art project which developers hope will gain iconic status akin to the Angel of the North.

But instead of a single statue or statement, developers at Darlington’s Lingfield Point, an award-winning business park built on the site of Paton and Baldwins wool factory, will create a series of different works to put the town on the cultural map.

Art will be seen throughout Lingfield Point, which developer Marchday is transforming into a mixed community of 1,400 eco homes, a school, health centre, sport facilities, allotments, gallery and outdoor performance space, shops, bars and restaurants.

The complex will be built around an existing business community of about 2,000 people.

The arts project will involve art in its broadest sense, including pieces and activities ranging from traditional visual art installations to environmental projects involving the community.

At one end of the spectrum will be Futurescope, a series of massive circular images planned outside the Powerhouse, a now-derelict landmark building, which can be seen from the newly-built Eastern Transport Corridor.

Changing with the seasons, it is hoped the giant images will create a major visual impact to people travelling into Darlington.

Positioned on one of the main routes into the town, the images will relay messages about past, present and future events at Lingfield Point and the wider Darlington area.

As well as physical installations, the art organisers will work with communities in Red Hall and Firthmoor to create an ongoing relationship.

Planned activities include art projects with schools and community groups, and cultural events for neighbours of the 107-acre business park.

Already in place is the Sixty Three Tickle Me mural, the first of a number of illustrations planned around the business park. Created by Glasgow- based artists Graven Images, the 70m-long pop-art style work is a striking backdrop to the new Student Loans Company offices.

The slogan comes from a bingo call and is based on murals seen in the Caribbean.

Also planned is an outdoor performance space and artists’ studios.

John Orchard, director of Marchday, said the strategy was based around the idea that art dramatically improves people’s surroundings and quality of life and work.

“We want art to be seen throughout the site. It is really important that the people of Red Hall and Firthmoor are part of this. We want people to know it is for them and not some exclusive thing,” he said.

“We are on a crusade to establish the Powerhouse as an art space that will put Darlington on the map. It is the first building you see as you come into the town, so it’s an opportunity for us to put a signpost up to say ‘this is what we are about’.”