A GIANT public art display is expected to be launched on the side of a building later this month.

The Powerhouse at Lingfield Point, Darlington, is to host Futurescope – a 45ft display of changing images.

The huge circular exhibition will be on show for two years and during that time eight photographs or works of art will be on display, changing about every three months.

It is one of a number of artistic initiatives for Lingfield Point, which hopes to establish itself as a cultural centre similar to the Baltic, in Gateshead or Middlesbrough’s Mima.

The first design for the Futurescope project has been decided, although it is yet to be revealed.

The artist behind it, Christian Barnes, has said that although he has ideas for the remaining seven designs, they could still change.

Lingfield Point is the site of the former Patons and Baldwins wool factory.

The owner, Marchday, wants to create a mixed community of 1,400 eco homes, a school, health centre, sport facilities, allotments, gallery and outdoor performance space, art studios, shops, bars and restaurants.

Mr Barnes said he was approached six years ago by Marchday to come up with a piece of public art for the Powerhouse.

However, it was only with the construction of the Eastern Transport corridor which made the building visible to the public that he felt able to proceed.

He said: “The images will all relate to life at Lingfield Point, but perhaps not from the perspective that people might think.

“They are not pre-determined and will be selected during the life of the project and could respond to developments on site, or in the local community.”

John Orchard, director of Marchday, said: “Futurescope will be a highly visible public art installation and, while we understand that art is very subjective, we believe that it will be well received by the local community.

“Eventually, we want to produce an environment where Lingfield Point can work with nationally recognised venues such as the Baltic in Gateshead or Mima, in Middlesbrough, to bring world-class exhibitions and performances to Darlington.”