Parkgate planning a steel tree welcome

The piece has been designed by Steve Mehdi, who is behind the Steel Man and Heart of Steel artworks.

He said the project came about after a conversation with Parkgate Shopping centre manager Janet Drury a couple of years ago.

Steve added: “Janet’s team wanted a welcoming statement piece at the entrance to their shopping centre so, after exploring a couple of ideas, I came up with the tree design based on the centre’s own logo. 

“I strongly believe in supporting local business, so when I started looking for a company to fabricate the Parkgate Tree I chose MTL Advanced in Rotherham. 

“I’ve worked with them before and I know the team will do a great job. We are now waiting for the planning process to complete and then I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Applicants Rotherham Unit Trust said the Parkgate tree would be added at the small roundabout at Stadium Way, near the entrance to the retail park.