Corby’s iconic Steelman who has stood on George Street for 21 years, is taking a short holiday to allow improvement works to start in the area.
The 7 foot bronze statue which pays tribute to the Corby's industrial heritage, was removed on Wednesday 26th May 2010 and is being kept in secure storage to make way for the Corby Walk to take shape.
The Corby Walk will be an attractive public walkway the town centre and the train station with local attractions including woodland and the Corby East Midlands International Pool.
Improvements to George Street will also be made to complement the Willow Place shopping centre, new swimming pool and Corby Cube development, carrying the theme of revitalisation throughout the length of the street. The project is in two parts:
George Street South – this includes new bus shelters, centralized and improved bus stops, landscaping, lighting, seating, paving and relocated taxi ranks.
George Street North – this includes further landscaping, lighting, seating and paving, more trees and more crossing points.
Work will start in June 2010 on George Street South and will begin from Westcott Way working down to Alaxandra Road. Phase one is due to be completed by the end of 2010 and provisions are being put in place to minimise any disruptions.
Once paving along Corby Walk has been laid the Steelman will be returned slightly south of his original position, still taking pride of place on George Street for us all to see. He will be placed on a new ironstone plinth which will maintain all of the current tributes.
These improvements will make George Street more accessible and more attractive - it's great to see the regeneration of Corby continuing to take shape.
