RESIDENTS will notice a new piece of art that glows at night has been erected in an Oxfordshire estate.

A 'significant' landmark has been installed at the UTC Oxfordshire (University Technical College) on Great Western Park (GWP) in Didcot.

The new sculpture, which has been called‘Reach’, is a three-metre-high metal hand and is the latest addition to the public artworks being displayed on the new development.

During the day, the hand will look impressive with its fingers splayed upwards and at night, the artwork will be lit to glow in a range of vibrant colours.

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Its artists, Michael Condron, is an internationally renowned sculptor and has created a unique design with ideas along the theme of ‘World leading sciencescape’.

Mr Condron worked with students from UTC Oxfordshire, Aureus and GEMS schools, GWP residents, local community groups and scientists to create the piece.

They made more than 600 images celebrating science, engineering and human understanding which are then fused into coloured glass discs to make up the large metal hand.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Condron said: “Didcot has a glut of wonderful subject matter for an artist, and I‘ve been working with residents to explore some of the glorious technologies on their doorsteps.

"Community involvement is at the heart of my design process, and this new sculpture encompasses wide-ranging ideas and discoveries.”

Vale of White Horse District Council funded the sculpture, which falls within the parish of Harwell, and used money received from housing developers as part of planning approval to build new homes in the district.

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The hand will be officially unveiled in the new year.

UTC Oxfordshire’s principal, Owain Johns, said: “We’re delighted to see the sculpture being installed at the entrance to the UTC.

"Our students enjoyed working with Michael in the design stages and I think it’s fantastic that their ideas have been incorporated into the glass discs. Our students will leave a lasting legacy for promoting science and technology in the heart of the Science Vale.”

Councillor Helen Pighills, cabinet member for community services at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “Public works of art are an important part of connecting local landscapes with people living and moving into the area, so I’m really happy that so many residents have been involved in creating this wonderful new landmark.”

Oxford Mail:

Councillor Hayleigh Gascoigne, district councillor for Harwell, said: “I’m delighted the new sculpture has been installed next to the UTC college.

"It is an excellent way to celebrate the science, engineering and technology happening at Harwell Campus and I hope it will help inspire the students.”

Councillor Sarah Medley, district councillor for Harwell said: “I’m excited to see how the unique sculpture and glass discs will change depending on the time of day – it’ll give Great Western Park residents and visitors a fun and dynamic sense of arrival.”

There are currently more than 1,600 properties at GWP.