Reconnecting the Town with Its Industrial Heritage
The revitalisation of Haslingden town centre celebrates the town’s rich industrial heritage while creating a renewed public space for the local community. At the heart of the scheme is a striking wooden Shuttle sculpture by artist Simon Watkinson, a contemporary interpretation of the weaving industry that helped shape Haslingden’s identity and establish its connections across the world.
More than a landmark artwork, the Shuttle provides a tangible link between Haslingden’s past and present, encouraging conversation about the people, skills and international connections that helped shape the town.
Natural Materials and Specialist Craftsmanship
Working with
Rossendale Borough Council,
Layer.studio,
Bethell Group and Artist
Simon Watkinson,
Hardscape contributed to the renewed public realm through the supply of
Inish Copper square-edged concrete paving, creating a distinctive and durable surface across the scheme.
Hardscape Surfaces played a specialist role in bringing the Shuttle sculpture to life, manufacturing the bespoke Umber
Woodkirk sandstone plinths which provide the foundations for the wooden shuttle and original lamppost. These feature carefully etched and painted lettering and logos, complemented by precision-produced brass inlays, creating a detailed and enduring interpretation of the town’s industrial story.
Simon Watkinson commented on a visit to the finished scheme: “Great to see the installed Shuttle in Haslingden town centre and attracting such positive attention. It only took six years to get there having been conceived as part of the Masterplan during early Covid, but it is generating lots of discussion on the town’s history and global connections. The Cockerill family originating from Haslingden were instrumental in developing the mechanised loom and spread their influence across Europe as far as Russia. Conversely, people moved from across the world to work in the town’s weaving industry, these places celebrated in the names on the plinth.”
A Landmark for Haslingden’s Future
The completed scheme demonstrates how thoughtful public realm design, meaningful public art and carefully selected materials can bring local history into contemporary town centre regeneration.
By celebrating the people and international connections behind Haslingden’s textile heritage, the Shuttle offers a focal point for the community and a lasting reminder of the town’s contribution to industrial innovation.
Through the combined expertise of Hardscape and Hardscape Surfaces, the project brings together durable paving, natural stone and specialist detailing to create a public space rooted in local identity connecting Haslingden’s industrial past with its future.
Finished Project Photography: Eden Photography.
