WORK to construct an innovative shelter for walkers and bus passengers in the village of Fridaythorpe has got underway.
The new shelter has been developed as part of WANDER, a series of new artworks along the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail.
Designed by Leeds-based architects Bauman Lyons, in close consultation with local residents and the parish council, the shelter will be situated in a prime position on the village green, at the halfway point of the Yorkshire Wolds Way.
As well as being an improvement on the older concrete bus shelter the new one will give walkers a place to rest, as well as providing a focal point for anyone wanting to spend time admiring the village pond and green.
Richard Pinder, chair of the Fridaythorpe Wander Steering Group, said: “The shelter project has been a long and careful process with a lot of consultation and we are delighted with the final design and can’t wait to see it on site at last.
“Fridaythorpe made the decision to welcome a WANDER artwork, the idea of a replacement shelter that can be functional and durable, as well as wonderful to look at.
“It will be an asset for the village and villagers who use it as a much needed replacement for the bus shelter.”
The Bauman Lyons design incorporates a laminated wooden frame, glazed panels to allow a view through the shelter and high-quality concrete tiled cladding which is durable and low maintenance, essential for this exposed site in the Wolds.
The architects used an innovative design process called BIM, a method of modelling all the information on a computer prototype and using it to laser cut all the elements.
Councillor Jane Evison, cabinet portfolio holder for rural issues and cultural services at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, has welcomed the new shelter which is set boost local tourism.
“The council is keen to promote tourism throughout the East Riding and particularly the picturesque Wolds, which have long been one of the area’s best kept secrets.
“Using funding from the Arts Council of England and LEADER, WANDER is the first artwork commissioned for a national trail and the new shelter will fit in nicely with the other three commissioned pieces already complete,” Coun Evison said.