With works having now commenced on Stage 3 of the Chelmsford Town Square project, Leeton Shire Council advises that, despite its best efforts, the Griffin Fountain cannot be relocated due to technical constraints.
Instead, Council is planning to reproduce the mosaics adorning the fountain – which were designed by Lee Blacker-Noble to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of local government in Leeton – and install them as artworks at the outside entrance of the Council Chambers at 23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton.
The community was first made aware of the removal of the fountain from its current location in 2020, when the design plans for the reimagined town square were placed on public exhibition, following endorsement from Council.
Council has sought expert advice on ways in which to save the fountain base and/or the mosaics, including the opinion of professional concreters, concrete cutters and the original business who did the mosaic tiling. Everyone has recommended it will be better to recreate replica mosaics than attempt to salvage the existing ones.
“The mosaic tiles are highly intricate and fragile, and held tightly by the concrete base and grouting, which sadly means that relocating them will not be feasible. Instead, detailed photographs have been taken to document these important artworks for future reproduction,” said Josh Clyne, project manager for the Chelmsford Town Square.
Cr George Weston, Portfolio Lead for CBD Enhancement, acknowledges that The Griffin Fountain holds a lot of sentimental value to our community.
“The Fountain was installed to commemorate 75 years of Council and recreating these beautiful mosaics at the entrance to the Council Chambers will continue this important legacy and make them more readily visible for residents and visitors to enjoy and appreciate,” he said.
Council still needs to vote funds for the mosaic recreation but will first endeavour to secure grant funding.
