Dream makes it a hat trick of awards

 Dream is the pride of Merseyside - after winning two prestigious awards at the Merseyside Civic Society (MCS) Awards in Liverpool on Friday (1 October).

The landmark sculpture, created by world famous artist Jaume Plensa on the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery, topped a public vote to win the new Civic Pride Award. The MCS judging panel also gave Dream the verdict for the Best Open Space award.

Dream polled more than a quarter of the 8,000 votes cast to win the Civic Pride accolade – beating off stiff competition from 14 other projects including Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008, Liverpool Biennial, ACC Liverpool Arena and the Liverpool Wheel at the Albert Dock.

It also clinched the Best Open Space award ahead of equally illustrious attractions, including Antony Gormley’s Another Place at Crosby, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal link, and Liverpool One.

It capped a great week for the iconic sculpture and St.Helens, having only two days earlier won the VisitEngland Northwest Tourism Award for Best Public Space at a glittering ceremony at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

The landmark artwork has now gained nine major awards and international recognition since its public unveiling in May 2009, helping to highlight St.Helens as a centre for innovation and positive transformation.

Spokesperson for the Sutton Manor Ex-miners Focus Group Gary Conley commented: ”Dream’s success is a fantastic David versus Goliath triumph, highlighting Dream’s appeal as one of the top attractions in the North West.”

Councillor Barrie Grunewald, Deputy Leader of St Helens Council and Cabinet Member for Culture. Communications and Town Centre added: “These awards are a great tribute to Dream and St.Helens, reinforcing Dream’s significance as a forward-looking symbol of the positive transformation of St.Helens and the wider region.”