Eating al fresco might not be on the menu this week between Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, but we’re collaborating with Beccles Town Council to install BBQ stands along Beccles Quay for sunny outdoor picnic days.
Beccles Town Council have been concerned that people are using disposable BBQ trays at the Quay and thereby burning the grassed areas. To stop this happening the Council wishes to install three stands on which to place the disposable BBQ trays and thus reduce damage to the grass. The commission is open to W&BA members to submit their design ideas for the permanent stands which can withstand all weathers, including storms and potential flooding, and be used by the public to hold their disposable BBQs.
The idea for the commission was sparked by Cllr Christine Wheeler whose attention had been brought to the scorched grass left by people using the Quay area for disposable BBQs. This poses a risk and has a negative impact on the surrounding habitat, so she thought that permanent stands would limit the damage to the site, whilst also encouraging visitors to enjoy the space for picnics.
The Beccles Quay has boat mooring, access to nearby marsh trails, picnic benches and a children’s play area, making it popular with visitors on boats, as well as cross country running, walking or organised wild swimming events. The Quay has also hosted fun fairs and music festivals previously. The BBQ stand commission asks that the artists bring in inspiration from the Beccles Quay and town, to make it distinctly ‘Beccles’ in its look and/or materials. We envisage that the 3 stands could potentially have 3 different designs from 3 artists.
If you’d like to apply or find out more about the brief, take a look at our Opportunities page.
We are very grateful to Beccles Town Council and Cllr Christine Wheeler for inviting W&BA artists to submit ideas for this public art commission. The deadline for proposals is Thursday 30th April.
BBQ Stand Brief
When deciding on the successful design, both attractiveness and cost will be taken into consideration. Your design must be:
- Fit for purpose – the stands must be weather-durable and able to withstand any flooding which may occur around their base.
- Complementary to the environment – the Town Council has declared a Climate Emergency so would wish the stands to fit with this principle. (The Council is aware that BBQs are not environmentally friendly but consider that using stands is more appropriate than allowing the grass to be burned. We also recommend that those wishing to use the BBQ stands to source FSC approved UK charcoal).
- Embedded into the ground
- Brickwork as a base.
- Reflect the persona of Beccles Quay and its environs.
- Safe to use.
- Measurements:
- The disposable BBQ trays are 24.5 cms wide and 31 cms long. The flat base of the stand must accommodate two trays sitting side by side width ways. It should also be at least 31 cms deep.
- The stands should be set at a workable height, approximately a metre. (There are standard BBQ stands at Loddon Quay which will give an indication of an appropriate height)
- The brick bases should be 1.5 to 2 metres square.
Design submissions with a fully costed budget should be made by 30th April 2020 to the Town Clerk, Beccles Town Hall, The Walk, Beccles, NR34 9AJ
Featured image from TourSuffolk.co.uk