By John Connell

Published at 09:20, Saturday, 07 June 2008

CROWDS of people turned out to witness the official launch of the Hub, the centrepiece of Workington’s £35 million development.

The Hub was officially opened on Friday in Workington Town centre

It was the debut of its soundtrack, which was put together by Illustrious, formed by ex-1980s pop star Martyn Ware, founder member of Human League and Heaven 17, and Vince Clarke, of Erasure.

The sounds played included waves lapping on Allonby beach, Uppies and Downies, rugby league, instruments from the town’s Helena Thompson Museum, church bells, water running off the walls of Langdale’s Cathedral Cavern.

Martyn, of Illustrious, who helped develop the project, said: “It’s going to have the vibe of a living thing and a living space.

“It will bring a sense of excitement back to the centre of Workington and it’s for the community.

“It’s not just going to sit there like a white elephant.

“I’m really confident that when people get used to it they will be proud of it.

This is a world first. Before this the town centre looked like an ordinary shopping mall. Now it looks like something more contemporary.”

The Hub is one of a number of artworks in the town centre commissioned by Allerdale Council and paid for by a £2.74m grant from the Northwest Development Agency.

Dave Camlin of Soundwave, which was also involved in the project, said: “This is a real coup for Workington.

“This is unique and will put Workington on the cultural map.”

David Martin, Allerdale council’s director of partnerships and community, said: “This was the finishing touch to the new Workington town centre and shows just how public art can really help regenerate an area by creating excitement and interest in the environment.”

Dignitaries who attended the launch included Workington MP Tony Cunningham, the Mayor of Allerdale Allan Caine, Workington’s mayor Bill Bacon and John Cook, Lord of Workington.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk