After almost 2 months of disruptive roadworks at the Whistleberry Roundabout on Glasgow Road, contractors are finally nearing completion.
Foundation groundworks to the middle of the roundabout (next to Lidl & B&M) was completed last week, allowing the important much aniticpated final phase to take place. The installation of the new statue of Blantyre’s most famous son, Explorer Dr. David Livingstone.
Contractor’s hoisted the statue into place late last night, when traffic was quieter, at one point having to close off one side of the road for over 2 hours to allow the crane safe operation.
Made of fibreglass to imitate bronze, the structure is weighted and fixed to a granite plinth to endure all weather. The impressive statue stands at 4.2m tall and looks set to become a stunning new icon for Blantyre, with ‘David’ looking out eastwards to greet drivers and pedestrians entering the town.
Project Manager Floyd Parasoli, who oversaw the lift told Blantyre Telegraph, “It was a nail biting moment as the statue slid on to the fixing bolts. Our professional team knew they would be working with small tolerance, but all went well and thankfully the rain and wind stayed away.”
Floyd continued, “This has been an incredible project these last few months and we hope Blantyre residents are as proud as we are in what’s been achieved.”
Commissioned back in 2022, the statue 4 years in the making was designed by notable Italian sculptor, Lydia Profsola whose other works include scultpures of historic European figures. The project, excluding groundworks cost over £86,000 and was privately funded by various heritage organisations and sponsorship.
We think this looks fantastic and JUST what Blantyre needs. Well done to all involved.
Sorry folks! This was indeed an April fool which had many people jumping into their vehicles to go and see it! A good idea though!
Those who are more observant may have noticed both the Project Manager and Sculptor’s names are each anagrams of ‘April Fools Day’!