Official opening of Eign Gate

A £650,000 scheme to breathe new life into Hereford City centre’s Eign Gate will be officially opened by the wife of the late Cllr George Hyde, Deputy Lieutenant, who masterminded the project.

Mrs Jeannette Hyde, accompanied by family members, will unveil a special ceremonial plaque at a civic gathering on November 16, at 12.30pm.

The plaque will commemorate the late George Hyde, affectionately known as “Mr Hereford,” who was instrumental behind the refurbishment.

Cllr Hyde, who represented the Tupsley ward, served several senior civic roles. He died peacefully at his home aged 69 after losing his battle against cancer.
 
Mrs Hyde will be joined by a series of dignitaries including The Chairman of Herefordshire Council, Cllr John Edwards, The Leader of Herefordshire Council, Cllr Roger Phillips and the Chief Executive of Herefordshire Council, Neil Pringle.

As part of the refurbishment aging pipework was replaced, new paving laid, street furniture installed and modern lighting erected. The area has also been landscaped with new trees planted.

“It is fitting that the Eign Gate refurbishment scheme be dedicated to the memory of the late George Hyde,” said Cllr Roger Phillips.

“George did a great deal for Hereford and Herefordshire in his public and civic role. The Eign Gate refurbishment scheme will be his lasting legacy.”

Herefordshire Council has funded the Eign Gate refurbishment.

Meanwhile a series of public art designs to compliment the final Eign Gate works will go on display early in the new year for people to have their say.

Four artists from Herefordshire College of Art and Design have been short-listed for the commission.

The winning piece, which will net the artist £1,000 prize money, will incorporate the historic character of the area as well as the contemporary twist of the new Eign Gate refurbishment.

The Rotary Club of the City of Hereford has commissioned the work to mark the 100th anniversary of the foundation of the Rotary group.

The winning piece will be located opposite the All Saints Church on the raised seating area.

The short-listed designs will be on show at the All Saints Church between January 23 – February 3. The public are invited to give comments.

Opinions will be taken on board when the selection panel, which includes members from The Rotary Club of the City of Hereford, Herefordshire College of Art and Design, Herefordshire Council and All Saints Church, meets to make a final decision on the winning work on February 9.

Plans will then be submitted to Herefordshire Council for approval. It is hoped the piece will be erected next summer.