THE public have been given a first glimpse at a new piece of public art.
Artist Thomas Heatherwick is creating a work called Blue Carpet to transform New Bridge Square, in Newcastle city centre. The first phase of the project, a spiral staircase linking the square with Manors, was unveiled yesterday when the scaffolding was dismantled.
The staircase gives the optical illusion of being light and self-supporting, but it weighs more than 30 tonnes.
It will open early next month and the rest of the scheme will be completed in September.
Paul Rubinstein, head of arts and culture at Newcastle City Council, said: "Thomas Heatherwick has created a remarkable work.
"It is both a very beautiful object and something that will be of practical use."
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