A bid has been launched to install an impressive seafront art display designed with the help of schoolchildren.

Bosses at Margate's Turner Contemporary have put forward the plans for the public artwork on the East Cliff bandstand in Ramsgate.

The proposed display, titled Beacons and created by artist Conrad Shawcross with help from talented youngsters, is comprised of four galvanised steel structures.

It will be installed in Spring 2021 and will be on the site temporarily for a year, if the plans are approved by Thanet Council.

Each one is made of a perforated steel disc on top of a steel pole and weighted by a tripod base.

They will be hand operated by a handle which will allow each disc to gently rotate when turned.

The applicant argues any impact on the character and appearance of the area are outweighed by the "positive enhancement of the setting" through a project which has been led by local children.

More than 70 youngsters have researched the town for the scheme since 2018, with a focus on the historic character of its Royal Harbour, and themes relate to the seafront.

Their research led to the emergence of three key themes: play and playfulness, caring and modern machines.

These formed the basis of a commission brief and the youngsters then shortlisted, interviewed and appointed Mr Shawcross to develop his proposal with them.

The Grade II-listed East Cliff bandstand dates back to the late 1930s, and although the site is occasionally used for community events, the applicant argues it is underused and has fallen into some disrepair.

They also believe it will help drive tourism to the town, increase interest in the site and encourage people to meet outdoors amid the coronavirus pandemic.

It was funded by National Heritage Lottery and Arts Council England - and delivered by the Turner Contemporary as part of its Pioneering Places project.

"The artwork itself is visually impactful and ever changing," the application states.

"Titled Beacons, it will act as a literal beacon for the site, drawing more people to visit it and to enjoy time outside, and to connect deeply with Ramsgate, its past, present and future, in a meaningful and inspiring way."

Conrad Shawcross has completed major public commissions across the world and was one of the first artists to be shown at the Turner Contemporary when it opened in 2011.

"I am really excited to be working with the young and brilliant minds of tomorrow to realise a new beacon of friendship and welcome to the Kent coast," he stated in the application.

"The town of Ramsgate started as a port and now we have a modern opportunity to continue this wonderful relationship to the sea and to arrival.

"Together we will create a new symbol for Ramsgate, learn some mechanics and the differing ways we used to communicate, and most importantly discover the huge power of cooperation and team work."

To view the application, visit Thanet Council's planning portal and search L/TH/20/1700 and F/TH/20/1699.

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