News: What's happening with The Steel Man sculpture?

A new challenge has begun for the "Man of Steel" - the proposed landmark sculpture in Rotherham, overlooking Sheffield's Lower Don Valley.

More than a decade ago, designs for a 32 metre stainless steel sculpture were created that was set to stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield. Plans were originally approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi.

With slow progress being made since plans were resubmitted in 2015 alongside proposals for an Interpretation Hub forming part of the project in 2017, an update shows that work is still being carried out with a new 4.5 metre replica model of the sculpture now under construction.

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The update reads: "We are delighted to announce the beginning of a new era as we push forward with our plans to bring the Steel Man to life. Last year we began working with an international collaboration of design engineers to develop the fabrication design of the Steel Man. We then reached out to Outokumpu, one of our biggest sponsors, to supply all the stainless steel required to build a new 4.5 metre model of the sculpture. This is now being built by another of our sponsors, NEC Ltd in Bradwell, Derbyshire. The build will take 3-4 months and we can’t wait to let you know when its ready!"

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been pioneering the plans. It has reviously said that £4.2m is required to deliver the new landmark for Yorkshire, with a number of high profile companies backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

A previous update said: "Funding an ambitious project of this scale has always been a huge challenge, and the impact of Brexit and COVID 19, along with other local economic challenges, has disrupted our plans and delayed progress. The team has worked hard to push through these challenges, and they recognise many hurdles still remain. Traditional funding routes under the current climate remain beyond our grasp. So, to harness the support we already have, we are preparing a global crowd funding campaign starting this Year. More about it will be announced in the coming months."

Originally conceived as a scaled up stainless cast version of Mehdi's sculpture, the Man of Steel has been radically redesigned, and will be fabricated from precision engineered stainless steel panels supplied from Outokumpu Stainless Distribution (UK), from Sheffield.

In addition, a 20 metre observation tower, supporting the 20 metre stainless steel sculpture is set to include a viewing deck, which will provide "elevated panoramic views across the region and interpretive technology which will focus on the heritage of steel and coal, as well as promoting the new technology sector helping to transform the region's future."

When plans were submitted, The Heritage Lottery Fund were committed to financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub. Plans showed that the building would be sited to the west of the existing vehicular access onto Meadowbank Road at the bottom of the hill, with The Steel Man sculpture at the top of the hill. Plans showed areas for exhibitions, learning and activities associated with sculpture along with a canteen, staff room, shop and outdoor play space.

A full scale replica heart was gifted to the town and is on display in Rotherham town centre. A similar sculpture was reproduced to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. With space to engrave 150,000 names, the Heart of Steel at Meadowhall shopping centre is eventually due to be included inside the 32-metre Steel Man.

The Steel Man website

Images: Yorkshire Icon Ltd: / NEC Ltd / Axis Architecture

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News: Heart of Steel on show

The Heart of Steel sculpture is on display at Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield to raise awareness, and funds, as part of the wider Steel Man project.

The 32 metre stainless steel sculpture will stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield. Plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The 2.4 metre Heart of Steel draws on the long heritage of the region's diverse communities who spent their working lives to create materials and products sold around the world. As an integral part of The Steel Man, the Heart of Steel also highlights the new technologies and specialised manufacturing that has redefined South Yorkshire and the growth of the advanced manufacturing sector.

Based on Mehdi's designs, the heart has been created with the support of three local companies, Maher Ltd, Doncasters Group Ltd, and Pryor Marking Technology.

Weighing 1,138kg, the heart is made from Inconel, a super alloy normally seen in high performance engine parts used in the aerospace industry and Formula One. It will eventually hold 150,000 names, before being included inside the eagerly awaited Steel Man.

The sculpture echoes the heart of steel placed in Minster Gardens in Rotherham town centre.

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In aid of the British Heart Foundation, donations will help The Steel Man team in its ambition to create its icon for the Yorkshire region and fund life-saving research into heart and circulatory diseases, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and vascular dementia, which currently kills one in four people in the UK.

Steve Mehdi, himself a former steelworker, said: "The Heart of Steel possesses an emotional strand that reaches across many generations. I have been deeply touched by the people who have donated so far and the stories they have shared. My thanks must go to the companies that have supported the project, the BHF for their tremendous vision, and the tireless effort of countless people who have made the Heart of Steel what it is.

"I would also like to add a special thanks to Darren Pearce and his Meadowhall team for their unflagging enthusiasm to see the Heart of Steel and The Steel Man installed in Yorkshire's premier shopping centre. It has been a long-held ambition to see these two sculptures in this amazing space and we look forward to sharing our vision with its visitors."

The sculpture is on display near to H. Samuel along with a scaled version of the Steel Man sculpture.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, is pioneering the plans. £4.2m is required to deliver this new landmark for Yorkshire, with a number of high profile companies backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

The Heritage Lottery Fund also recognise the importance of the project and are financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub which will sit alongside the sculpture. Planning permission for the hub has been approved.

Steel Man website

Images: Steel Man / Meadowhall

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News: Another step forward for Steel Man

Plans have been submitted for an Interpretation Hub forming part of The Steel Man which is designed to support and increase the experience of visitors to the landmark sculpture.

The 32 metre stainless steel sculpture will stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield. Plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

£4.2m is required to deliver this new landmark for Yorkshire, with a number of high profile companies backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

The Heritage Lottery Fund also recognise the importance of the project and are financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub which will sit alongside the sculpture. Public donations have helped boost the overall target and further donations are being sought to accelerate how quickly work can begin on-site.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, is pioneering the plans.

The Interpretation Hub building would be sited to the west of the existing vehicular access onto Meadowbank Road at the bottom of the hill, with The Steel Man sculpture at the top of the hill. It is set to include areas for exhibitions, learning and activities associated with sculpture along with a canteen, staff room, shop and outdoor play space. A visitor car park is being created which contains 52 spaces.

It would actually be two single-storey buildings connected together with a chimney as the "heart" space of the building layout. Externally it will reference the industrial heritages of Rotherham and Sheffield.

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A high proportion of the estimated 91,000 p/a visitor catchment will be generated from school visits, for which the Interpretation Hub will offer opportunity to learn more about the industry and heritage. It also offers insight and awareness of potential future careers.

The hub is expected to employ 12 staff, plus volunteers and apprentices and generate a further 200 jobs in the region in the short term, and many more in the long term. A socio-economic report produced by Sheffield Hallam University concluded the project would add in excess of £9m per annum across leisure day visitors, school visitors and business visitors.

The reclaimed site is owned by FCC Environmental and is classed as Green Belt.

The plans, drawn up by AXIS Architecture, state: "The inclusion of the Interpretation Hub should enable the site to thrive with the compelling reason to visit and the quality of the landscape and facilities available on arrival. The quality of the existing area of the site to be developed is very poor but the proposal would significantly enhance this area and integrate it, by the sensitive use of the topography to avoid any immediate or long term harm to the green belt. This is a sensitive and absolute location-specific proposal.

"The Hub will support a significant educational agenda and learning programme present within the entire Steel Man development. It will provide space for learning activities centred on local industries.

"The Steel Man sculpture will not be a viable and financially sustainable one without the necessary income which the Interpretation Hub will generate."

Steel Man website

Images: Yorkshire Icon / Axis

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News: Harworth and the Steel Man

Harworth Group plc, one of the largest property and regeneration companies in the North of England, has joined a growing list of private sector companies backing the delivery of The Steel Man, one of the UK's biggest landmark sculpture projects.

The 32 metre stainless steel sculpture and Interpretation Hub will stand on a former landfill site overlooking the M1 between Rotherham and Sheffield.

£4.2m is required to deliver this crucial new landmark for Yorkshire, with Harworth joining a number of high profile companies that are backing the programme with materials, expertise and financial contributions.

The Heritage Lottery Fund also recognise the importance of the project and are financially supporting the building of a £1m Interpretation Hub which will sit alongside the sculpture. Public donations have helped boost the overall target and further donations are being sought to accelerate how quickly work can begin on-site.

Plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The sculpture alone will weigh over 100 tonnes, and be 50% bigger than the Angel of the North. It aims to honour the people and the places that forged a lasting legacy as well as highlighting the new technologies and specialised manufacturing helping to transform the region.

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Harworth Group plc, the masterplanner and developer behind Waverley – Yorkshire's largest ever brownfield development - saw an opportunity to add their name and expertise to the project. A scale model of the iconic man has been on display at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) at Waverley, where the team developing the project has an office.

Owen Michaelson, CEO of Harworth plc, said: "We are delighted to support the vision of creating The Steel Man which will become an iconic part of our landscape and a true testament to the industries which built our region. The landmark will also represent the new skills in advanced manufacturing which are driving the 21st Century economy of our region. We are happy to provide seed funding to support making this happen."

Steve Mehdi, project director of The Steel Man, welcomed Harworth Group plc's decision to join the Team of Steel helping to deliver the project. He said: "Harworth Group have a great reputation for enhancing local communities and strengthening the bond between private sector and public sector partnerships and their expertise will undoubtedly help us to achieve the best outcome for The Steel Man."

Harworth website
The Steel Man website

Images: Yorkshire Icon Ltd

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News: Making the Man of Steel

The iconic Yorkshire Man of Steel project has its own new exhibition being hosted at Rotherham's Clifton Park Museum.

The iconic piece of art is designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

Recently resubmitted, plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The sculpture alone will weigh over 100 tonnes, and be 50% bigger than the Angel of the North.

"Making the Man of Steel" explores the inspiration and innovation behind the Yorkshire Man of Steel project, its link to Rotherham's steel and coal heritage and the new technologies that will play a part in the creation of this sculpture.

A number of local companies are sponsoring the exhibition, led by Rotherham manufacturing specialist, MTL Advanced and supported by Pro Co Print and We Are Branding.

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Cllr. Taiba Yasseen, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Working and Cultural Services at Rotherham Council, said: "The objects within the exhibition focus around both historic and current innovation in Rotherham, exploring the region’s coal and steel heritage as well as new technology.

"The themes of the past, present and future are represented in the exhibition's exploration of our industrial traditions, and you can find out what inspired the Yorkshire Man of Steel. With its links to Rotherham's industrial heritage, Clifton Park Museum is the perfect setting for this new exhibition."

The Museum's collections team sourced and put together the "past" side to the exhibition and the Man of Steel project sourced and put together the "present" and "future" objects and labels.

Until recently the landmark project been supported entirely by the private sector as it edges closer to its overall funding target of £4.2m.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

Earlier this year, the project secured backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the body which distributes a share of the income from the National Lottery to projects aimed at preserving and making accessible the nation's heritage. The round one funding of £106,000 will enable a team to work to secure the funds needed for a visitor centre on the former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The exhibition runs until May 21 2017.

Man of Steel website

Images: Yorkshire Man of Steel / AXIS Architecture

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News: Gearing up to mark Rotherham Hospice's 20th year

A production manager for the local branch of Signs Express is getting back in the saddle to undertake a mammoth bike ride to raise valuable funds for Rotherham Hospice.

Based at Templeborough, Signs Express pride themselves on their expertise and innovative solutions to help businesses come up with perfect signage solutions, tailored specifically to their requirements.

The only adult hospice in Rotherham for the people of Rotherham, Rotherham Hospice is an independent charity and must raise significant sums of money each year in order to pay for the quality care provided free of charge to patients, their families and carers. The charity needs £5m a year with £2.2m needed to be raised each year through voluntary support.

Gareth Russell, production manager at Signs Express, took on a cycling challenge in 2014 for Rotherham Hospice and raised an amazing £5,000. This September he will join a team of 50 fundraisers as part of the "Big 20" - so called as it is the Rotherham Hospice's 20th anniversary.

Partnering with specialist charity event organisers, Skyline Events, the 345 mile trip from London to Paris also includes a stop at Rotherham's twin town, Saint Quentin on day four before the cyclists arrive in Paris on day five.

Gareth said: "It's an amazing experience. The French roads are great for cycling, and all the cyclists ride into Paris together. It's a fantastic atmosphere."

Donations can be made at Gareth's Just Giving page.

Also set to take on the fundraising challenge are Christopher Duff, chief executive at Rotherham Hospice and GP, Ted Daly, a trustee at the hospice.

A number of fundraising events are taking place throughout the hospice's 20th year. The anniversary ball, recently held at Aston Hall Hotel, raised £16,000.

An official launch event recently took place for the Tree of Life - an imposing, unique sculpture in stainless steel created by Yorkshire Man of Steel designer Steve Mehdi. Inspired by the shape of a tree in the hospice garden and intended as a commemorative artwork, the three metre tall structure will support over 290 individual leaves which can be dedicated in memory of a loved one.

The unique fundraising venture has already raised some £20,000; numerous bereaved relatives whose loved ones received hospice care have paid for engraved leaves and sections of bark to be placed on the tree in their memory.

The Tree of Life was made of steel donated by Outokumpu and built with the help of Newburgh Precision Engineering. Maher Ltd provided the tubular steel frame, JF Finnegan built the foundations with help from Peter Brett Associates. Mark Smithson transported the tree to the site and TPA Portable Roadways and PP Engineering lifted the three tonne tree over the fence into the hospice garden. The tree will glow at night thanks to ASD Lighting and there was also help from the apprentices at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, We are Branding and Performance Engineered Solutions. Pryor Marketing have engraved all the leaves and the bark.

"We all could help, so we did," explained Vince Middleton, MD of Newburgh, who dedicated the company's best welder, Paul Smith, to the task of fabricating the tree from the donated stainless steel and alloys.

"Paul did a brilliant job. It took 200 hours, working under the guidance of sculptor Steve Mehdi. We all felt privileged to be involved in a project which is so creative and which will do a great deal of good for many years to come."

Former Outokumpu MD Jamie Sharp, who has also pledged to supply the steel leaves and bark for a minimum of two years, added: "The tree brings art and industry together and shows the beauty and everlasting quality of stainless steel, a material first created in South Yorkshire."

Signs Express website
Rotherham Hospice website

Images: Rotherham Hospice

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News: Man of Steel backed by Heritage Lottery Fund

The ambitious Man of Steel project in Rotherham has secured a funding boost with initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The iconic piece of art is designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

Recently resubmitted, plans were approved conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

The sculpture alone will weigh over 100 tonnes, and be 50% bigger than the Angel of the North.

Until recently the landmark project been supported entirely by the private sector as it edges closer to its overall funding target of £4.2m.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

The project has now been backed by the HLF, the body which distributes a share of the income from the National Lottery to projects aimed at preserving and making accessible the nation's heritage. The round one funding of £106,000 will enable a team to work to secure the funds needed for a visitor centre on site.

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The project has faced many challenges over the last few years and undergone a transformation in the process. Originally conceived as a scaled up stainless cast version of Steve Mehdi's impressive sculpture, the Man of Steel has been radically redesigned, and will be fabricated from precision engineered stainless steel panels supplied from Outokumpu Stainless Distribution (UK), from Sheffield.

Barnsley structural specialists, Billington, will be working on the observation tower.

Global engineers Mott MacDonald have been working closely with the team and SH Structures - the multi-disciplinary fabricating firm which helped to make The Kelpies a reality - are also on board.

A group of local companies are pooling their knowledge and resources and using innovative design solutions. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD )software are just part of the revolutionary technologies that will assist design engineers working on the project.

Axis Architects have been retained to work on plans for a visitor centre which will sit alongside the sculpture. The Interpretation Hub is set to house an exhibition space, education facilities, a café and a shop.

In addition, a 20 metre observation tower, supporting the 20 metre stainless steel sculpture is set to include a viewing deck, which will provide "elevated panoramic views across the region and interpretive technology which will focus on the heritage of steel and coal, as well as promoting the new technology sector helping to transform the region's future."

Steve Mehdi said: "The original idea for The Yorkshire Man of Steel came from one person, but the support for this ambitious project now numbers many thousands of people, each with a story of their own to add to the ones already written. Localism is a key element in its delivery; invaluable local skills and local materials which will define the project and create a totemic icon recognising the heritage of the past and heralding a new future for the region, and future generations.

"The HLF grant will enable us to further our ambitions to create a building which is truly inclusive and inspirational, and which embraces the whole community.

"The Man of Steel is to have his own Heart of Steel, a 2.5 tonne sculpture, made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. Partners have linked up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research, to raise funds.

A full scale replica heart was gifted to the town and is on display in Rotherham town centre.

Yorkshire Man of Steel website

Images: Yorkshire Man of Steel / AXIS Architecture

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News: Man of Steel plans resubmitted

A planning application has been submitted to renew the approval for the Man of Steel - the iconic piece of art designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

In 2012 planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

With a goal of securing £3m, the landmark project has until recently been supported entirely by the private sector. Now a not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

The original plans had a condition attached that the development shall be commenced within three years but his has not been possible.

The plans, drawn up by AXIS Architecture, explain: "Due to the nature of the project and the requirement to manufacture much of the installation off-site, the applicant has not yet reach the position where they are able to commence construction on site, in part due the on-going mitigation of ground gas form land fill. After discussion with the Local Authority it is agreed that work already undertaken may not constitute a "commencement" and that without the ability to extend the original approval a new application would be made to "renew" the approval."

The Man of Steel is to have his own Heart of Steel, a 2.5 tonne sculpture, made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. Partners have recently linked up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.

A full scale replica heart was recently gifted to the town and has gone on display in Rotherham town centre and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing has helped to complete a four metre replica of the man of steel.

Future plans for internal access and viewing platforms within the plinth are also being developed.

Man of Steel website

Images: AXIS Architecture

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News: The new heart of Rotherham town centre

A two metre high Heart of Steel sculpture has been installed in Minster Gardens in Rotherham town centre - "a symbol of love that local people have for their town."

The artwork is linked to the Man of Steel project - the iconic piece of art designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production.

Planning permission was granted conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high Man of Steel art installation, based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

The Man of Steel is to have his own Heart of Steel, a 2.5 tonne sculpture, made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. Partners have recently linked up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.

A full scale replica has been gifted to Rotherham by the charity behind the Man of Steel project with the generous support of Outokumpu High Performance Stainless and Maher Ltd.

The 2.5 tonne heart sculpture is made of Outokumpu Supra 316/4401 stainless steel and sits on a plinth made out of local stone from Ulley Quarry.

An event took place on July 4 to unveil the artwork.

Until now the landmark project has been supported entirely by the private sector, but the new initiative allows for donations from members of the public which enables their names, or names of loved ones, to be on the heart of steel.

Rotherham was one of the first 50 towns in the UK to sign up as a BHF Heart Town as part of the initiative to bring entire communities together through local fundraising and volunteering to help beat heart disease.

Commissioner Stella Manzie, managing director of Rotherham Council, said: "The Minster Gardens is already a relaxing slice of green in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Rotherham town centre, with the inclusion of this fantastic work of art, it will become an even more beautiful and poignant place.

"This event shows what large hearts the people and organisations of Rotherham and South Yorkshire have. The list of local sponsors demonstrates the enthusiasm for this wonderful artwork, and how clearly the businesses embrace the ethos of "Love Your Town, Love Your Heart."

"Specific thanks should go to artist Steve Mehdi, who has clearly recognised the importance and impact of Rotherham as a Heart Town and all the work that has gone into raising funds to install 52 defibrillators across the area.

"His efforts, as well as those of all the sponsors of the Rotherham Heart of Steel is one that will be remembered for many, many years to come."

Yorkshire Man of Steel website

Images: RMBC

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News: Man of Steel back on the AMP

The scale model of the iconic Man of Steel has gone back on display at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, surrounded by a number of companies that are working to make the final version a reality.

The sculpture was originally manufactured at the Composite Centre on the AMP and the charity behind the project, Yorkshire Icon Ltd, is now officially based there, inside the AMP Technology Centre.

In 2012, planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

The iconic piece of art has been designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

The Man of Steel is also set to play an important role in promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The project has been assisted by expertise from AMP-based organisations, Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd and the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The two metre model is made from polyurethane resin board, a material normally used for creating prototypes and models of automotive and aerospace structures. This was sculpted at the AMRC Composite Centre on its CMS five-axis machining centre.

Experts at PES are developing rapid prototyping to examine the potential of creating the monumental version of Man of Steel.

Steve Mehdi, the sculptor behind the project, said: "It feels right that the sculpture has returned to its birthplace. Many of the innovative engineering developments for the Yorkshire Man of Steel project are led by companies based at the AMP Technology Centre and we're very proud to be associated with such a collaborative group of specialists and to be a working with a facility with an international reputation for excellence.

"The legacy of this project fits perfectly with the AMRC's research and development success and I'm sure it will be a signpost to the advances in the new technologies and specialised manufacturing that is now a core part of the region."

John Palframan, manager at the AMP Technology Centre, added: "We're delighted to see the Yorkshire Man of Steel return home. The sculpture always attracts attention and is a springboard for conversations between visitors and many of the people who work here."

Last week saw the first cut of the Heart of Steel, two of which are set to be manufactured. The Man of Steel is to have his own heart, a 2.5 tonne sculpture made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. The other is set to be on show at the popular pocket park on Corporation Street, next to Rotherham Minster.

Man of Steel website
AMP Technology Centre website

Images: Man of Steel

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News: Heart of Steel for Rotherham town centre

A two metre high "Heart of Steel" is set to be installed in Minster Gardens in Rotherham town centre - "a symbol of love that local people have for their town."

The artwork is linked to the Man of Steel project - the iconic piece of art designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production.

The Heart of Steel is set to be on show at the popular pocket park on Corporation Street, next to Rotherham Minster. It comes after several trees in the area were removed at the request of South Yorkshire Police.

Sitting on a concrete plinth, the planned artwork is set to measure 2.2m high by 2m wide and be illuminated. Expected to be made of stainless steel, the replica will be the only other Heart of Steel created.

The planning application states: "Rotherham is a town with a big heart and the "Heart of Steel" sculpture will represent the "heart" of the community. It will be a symbol of the love people have for their town. It will also be a direct link to the Man of Steel sculpture."

Planning permission was granted conditionally in 2012 for the 27.3m high Man of Steel art installation, based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site at Kimberworth in Rotherham.

A not-for-profit charitable company, Yorkshire Icon Limited, has been created which will work with the Rotherham Council, stakeholder partners, and other trustees to manage the project and deliver a lasting legacy that includes education and apprenticeships.

The Man of Steel is to have his own Heart of Steel, a 2.5 tonne sculpture, made from super alloys and containing up to 150,000 names of individuals from across the region. Partners have recently linked up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the nation's heart charity and the largest independent funder of cardiovascular research.

Until now the landmark project has been supported entirely by the private sector, but the new initiative allows for donations from members of the public which enables their names, or names of loved ones, to be on the heart of steel.

Rotherham was one of the first 50 towns in the UK to sign up as a BHF Heart Town as part of the initiative to bring entire communities together through local fundraising and volunteering to help beat heart disease.

In 2011, Rotherham became Gallery Town when a group of local entrepreneurs got together to arrange for 60 large pieces of artwork – including work by Rotherham students, local artists and some of the world's greatest painters – installed in key outdoor locations around the town. The aim of Gallery Town is to help regenerate Rotherham town centre and increase the number of visitors.

Steve Mehdi recently joined the Gallery Town project. The artist said: "I was invited to join Gallery Town by its founder, Nick Cragg. His passion for art and culture, combined with a philanthropic flair has been used to great effect by creating Gallery Town and bringing art to the masses, as well as getting them to produce their own."

It is hoped that the Heart of Steel will be installed in the town centre this summer. A date for installing the Man of Steel has not been set.

Mehdi added: "Ultimately the Yorkshire Man of Steel is about the sons and daughters of Rotherham; past, present and future. It's also about the wider region, its heritage of steel and coal and perhaps more importantly it's about the recent advances in the new technology sector.

"The Yorkshire Man of Steel will become a destination for visitors, adding significant economic and cultural capital to the region."

Man of Steel website
Gallery Town website

Images: yorkshiremanofsteel.com / RMBC

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News: Man of Steel on the AMP

The scale model of the iconic Man of Steel has gone on display at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, surrounded by a number of companies that are working to make the final version a reality.

Last year, planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

The iconic piece of art has been designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

The Man of Steel is also set to play an important role in promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The project has been assisted by expertise from AMP-based organisations, Performance Engineered Solutions (PES) Ltd and the University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The two metre model is made from polyurethane resin board, a material normally used for creating prototypes and models of automotive and aerospace structures. This was sculpted at the AMRC Composite Centre on its CMS five-axis machining centre (pictured).

Experts at PES are developing rapid prototyping to examine the potential of creating the monumental version of Man of Steel.

Steve Mehdi, creator of the Man of Steel (pictured, centre), said: "The Man of Steel project honours the past and embraces the future, bringing together the heritage of the old industries and signposting the new technologies of the region.

"These world-leading developments in advanced manufacturing and materials are led by the organisations on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and I am delighted that both the AMRC and PES are supporting the project, and have used their expertise to create this version of the Man of Steel."

Simon Spode, marketing manager at the AMP, added: "We are pleased to have this model back at the AMP, both to support the Man of Steel project and to showcase the fantastic technical knowledge and capability that we have here at the park.

"There are similarities between the AMP and the Man of Steel project in that both will have reach and benefit outside their immediate geographical areas. The AMP is an asset locally, regionally and nationally, and similarly the sculpture is set to become an icon for the whole Yorkshire region; providing a gateway to the county in the same way that the Angel of the North is seen as the gateway to the North-East."

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council has shown their support to the Man of Steel project, and Councillor Gerald Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Development was on hand to welcome the sculpture back to Rotherham.

Cllr Smith (pictured, second from the right), said: "We believe that project will provide a striking piece of contemporary public art and a real landmark sat at the heart of the area's great traditional industries of coal and steel. It is also important that the sculpture will be made using local materials and locally developed manufacturing processes, showcasing the region's current and future industrial capabilities.

"It is also good to see so many private sector partners coming forward to support the project and it's looking positive that the cost of the project will be met by private contributions and funding from bodies such as good causes distributor the Big Lottery Fund and the Arts Council."

The model of the Man of Steel will be on display in the reception of the AMP Technology Centre until August 30.

The full scale man would sit on the FCC Environment Group's site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand. It almost five years to the day since the old towers were demolished.

Man of Steel website
AMP website

Images: AMP

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News: Man Of Steel set for charity appearance

Currently on show at this week's Global Manufacturing Festival in Rotherham, the iconic Man of Steel will do his bit for good causes when Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce holds its award-winning President's Charity Ball next month.

Last year, planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site in Rotherham. A two metre model has been created by local companies and organisations to raise awareness of the project.


The finished model will be present at the ball at the Magna Science Adventure Centre on Saturday May 11 and fits perfectly with the theme of "Yorkshire Pride" that will see the ball celebrate the region's mining and steel heritage, then travel into its future at the forefront of technological and manufacturing excellence.

Steve Mehdi, sculptor (pictured above, left!), said: "This wonderful occasion will be a celebration of "Yorkshire Pride", recognising the ambition and achievements of innovators and entrepreneurs across the region and the Man of Steel will add to this; honouring the steel and coal heritage of the City Region and embracing the new technology sector led by facilities such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

"Holding the ball at Magna chimes well with the historic connections of this former steel producing facility and giant of the industry - Steel, Peech & Tozer. Magna captures this bygone atmosphere well and offers a glimpse of an age when Britain - and Rotherham - led the world in steel production. It now stands as a reminder of the past but at the centre of the next generation of entrepreneurs, surrounded by companies who are setting new standards others will follow, adding new meaning to the term Yorkshire Pride!"

Owen Gleadall, president of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber, added: "It is fitting that the Man of Steel will join us at Magna for this year's ball as we mark the 100th anniversary of Harry Brearley's discovery of stainless steel with our "Yorkshire Pride" celebration. Guests will have a unique opportunity to see and be photographed with the model, in addition to enjoying a special Yorkshire-themed menu and superb entertainment provided by the Gillian Banks Theatre School. It will be a night not to be missed so book your places now!"

Funds raised on the evening will be donated to four charities – the Barnsley and Rotherham Street Pastor Groups, the Barnsley Churches Drop-In Project (BCDP) and Shiloh - a Christian charity helping Rotherham people living in poverty, transition, oppression and homelessness to rebuild their lives.

Man of Steel website
Rotherham Chamber website

Images: sheffieldicon.com

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News: Man of Steel brought to life

The University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing has completed production of a two metre model of a proposed landmark sculpture for the Sheffield city region.

Last year, planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation based on work by local sculptor Steve Mehdi, on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

Mehdi was introduced to the AMRC for help with producing a large model of the Man of Steel to raise awareness of the project.

The model is made from polyurethane resin board, a material normally used for creating prototypes and models of automotive and aerospace structures. This was sculpted at the AMRC Composite Centre on the Advanced Manufacturing Park in Rotherham on its CMS five-axis machining centre, using cutting tools from Sheffield-based Technicut.

The assembled model will now be given a stainless metal coating, and mounted on a two metre column made by Sheffield-based Tool and Steel Products.

John Halfpenny, manufacturing engineer at the AMRC with Boeing Composite Centre, managed production of the model Man of Steel. He said: "This was a totally different project to our usual work in the Composite Centre – it's nothing like what we've done before. But it's good to work on a project that's potentially going to be in Sheffield for the next 200 years."

Steve Mehdi, sculptor, said: "This project honours the past and embraces the future, bringing together the heritage of the old industries and signposting the new technologies of the Sheffield city region.


"These rapid developments in design technology and manufacture are led by the University of Sheffield AMRC in Rotherham, so I am delighted that the AMRC has used its expertise to create this version of the Man of Steel."

The finished model will be on show at the AMRC during the Global Manufacturing Festival in April, which commemorates the centenary of stainless steel's discovery by Sheffield metallurgist Harry Brearley. It will also be exhibited at the Magna Science Centre in Rotherham and Kelham Island Museum in Sheffield.

The Man of Steel will also play an important role in promoting education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem). "Education experts across the region are working with the Man of Steel project team to develop curriculum material across all key stages," Mehdi says. "The AMRC Man of Steel will appear at various exhibitions throughout the year, promoting our industrial heritage, the new technologies and Stem education for the future."

Man of Steel website

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: Plans approved for Man of Steel

The proposed "Man of Steel" has taken another giant step forward after planning permission was granted conditionally for the 27.3m high art installation on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

The iconic piece of art has been designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

The sculpture has been designed by Sheffield artist Steve Mehdi, who is leading the project, and would be higher than the Angel of the North in Gateshead. The plans were put together by Axis Architects.

The man would sit on the FCC Environment Group's site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand.

The planner's report stated that "the proposal would not have a significantly detrimental impact on the openness of the Green Belt and any impact would be outweighed by the very special circumstances for siting this proposed piece of public art in the key landmark location."

They added that the iconic structure would have a positive effect on the visual amenity of the area and would not result in a distraction from the nearby M1 motorway due to good visibility.

On receiving the approval, Steve Mehdi, said: "The project team would like to thank everyone involved in making this possible, and a BIG thankyou to all our supporters, far and wide."

The project team has been working with Rotherham-based Newbugh Engineering, PES Performance and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) on design and manufacturing methods for the sculpture and on developing educational resources.

It is expected that the £2.7m cost of the project will be privately funded.

Man of Steel website

Images: Axis Architects

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News: Man of Steel takes a step forward

Leading recycling and renewable energy business, FCC Environment has confirmed that the proposed Man of Steel is to be sited on its former landfill site in Rotherham.

The Man of Steel sculpture – a creation of former steel worker Steve Mehdi – is designed to embody the region's industrial past, as well as celebrate the new technology sector that has helped regenerate the Sheffield City Region.


A planning application was recently submitted for the 27.3m high art installation on the site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand.

Mike Snell, general manager for External Affairs at FCC Environment, said: "As FCC Environment focuses increasingly on recycling and renewable energy, we’re proud to be able to facilitate such an iconic project for the South Yorkshire region by using this former landfill site to regenerate business and tourism and improve local educational resources.

"It is a project that celebrates enormous industrial achievement, yet will attract significant economic benefit to communities throughout the South Yorkshire region."

The landfill site was a former quarry which was used for many years as a local waste disposal facility. The landfill closed in 2005 and is now being progressively restored by FCC Environment to grassland and woodland, together with public amenity access.

Former steel worker, Steve Mehdi, said: "I would like to thank FCC Environment who has been instrumental in the progression of this project. FCC Environment's visionary approach has enabled us to develop a project which will define the community of Rotherham and the wider Sheffield City Region.

"These two great regions have a wonderful industrial heritage and are now leading the way with a world leading new technology sector based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park."

The stainless steel sculpture, which will be designed and built in the Sheffield region, will also provide a significant STEM educational resource. Information packs will be developed for schools throughout the area which will cover topics such as local history, art and engineering.

It is expected that the £2.7m cost of the project will be privately funded.

Man of Steel website

Images: Axis Architects

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News: Man of Steel planning application submitted

A planning application has been submitted for a 27.3m high art installation on a former land fill site in Rotherham.

The "Man of Steel" has been designed to be a landmark gateway sculpture close to the M1 that "will recognise the history of steel and coal in the region, and preside over a new age of technology and specialised steel production."

The main aim of the development is to provide a unique landmark, which will provide additional stimulus to the regeneration around the site and the overall local economy.

The sculpture has been designed by Sheffield artist Steve Mehdi, who is leading the project, and would be higher than the Angel of the North in Gateshead. The plans have been put together by Axis Architects.

The man would sit on the FCC Environment Group's site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand.

The final stage of site remediation is underway, and the proposals aim to improve the landscape offer on the site. The site around the sculpture would be open to all members of the local and wider community.

The man of steel would sit on a 16.3m tall plinth with the potential to include an internal viewing platform.

A spokesperson for the project, said: "Man of Steel embodies the generations of workers who passed through numerous factory gates and left their mark and their memories on the landscape. Enshrined in a mantle of steel and coal this symbol of a former age honours the past while presiding over a new age of technology and invention."

It is expected that the £2.7m cost of the project will be privately funded.

Man of Steel website

Images: Axis Architects

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News: Iconic "Man of Steel" for Rotherham

A 40-metre high sculpture including a stainless steel figure is being proposed as an iconic landmark in Rotherham.

Sheffield City Council has invited ideas for a statue in the Lower Don Valley and the "Man of Steel" project is one being put forward for consideration.

The proposed design created by local sculptor Steve Mehdi has already received support from Rotherham Council and Sheffield Chamber of Commerce.

Those backing the impressive sculpture hope that it will identify the region's industrial past and become a catalyst to entrepreneurs setting up new business in an area of regeneration.

Standing on a former landfill site on Meadowhall Road in Rotherham, overlooking the M1 and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, close to where the Tinsley Towers used to stand, this unique sculpture will be twice the height of the Angel of the North in Gateshead.

A 20-metre high stainless steel figure will sit on a 20-metre black column which together will represent the metals and coal mining history of the area. Leading up to the base will be a "timeline" pathway depicting the rich history of entrepreneurs that defined this region but leave space for future ones.

Sculptor Steve Mehdi, said: "The design embodies the generations of workers who have passed through numerous factory gates and left their mark and their memories on the landscape.

"Enshrined in a mantle of steel and coal it is an icon of a former age, and a catalyst for a new one. It looks inward, contemplating the past, but looks out on an ever changing landscape of technology and invention.

"This project falls in to a long tradition of monumental sculptures in society. It is about scale. People have always been affected and inspired by the awesome nature of the colossal. The statue delivers a message saying "we are big, we are modern and we can take on the world.""

Richard Wright, executive director of Sheffield Chamber and CEO of Rotherham company, Inertius, added: "The statue not only recognises this city region's heritage, but will symbolise how this area is at the forefront of the latest innovations in manufacturing and engineering technologies and making a name in exciting new sectors."

It is expected that the cost of the project will be privately funded.

Steve Mehdi website

Images: Steve Mehdi

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