Tinsley Canal: Twisted narrowboat sculpture plan approved

The metal artwork will look like a twisted boat, floating between locks on the canal

A looping narrowboat sculpture is to be installed on the Sheffield and Tinsley Canal after council officers accepted the plans.

The work by artist Alex Chinneck was commissioned by Sheffield City Council on behalf of the Tinsley Art Project.

Planning officers said the design, first announced in March, would provide a "playful visitor attraction".

It will be positioned between the locks near Tinsley marina, though there is currently no set date for installation.

Replicating the scale and style of a traditional boat, the steel and aluminium structure performs "a six-metre-high, gravity-defying, aerial loop-the-loop", a planning document stated.

"The looping boat sits on the water - apparently floating - within a canal pound that forms part of the Tinsley Flight.

"Painted in traditional colours, the sculptural canal boat adds colour, charm and magnetism to the historic setting of the canal."

The document said the aim of the Tinsley Art Project was to create a public artwork that benefits and strengthens the identity of Tinsley following the demolition of the Tinsley cooling towers which previously dominated the landscape, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Chinneck's previous works include a floating building in Covent Garden, melting houses and an upside down car.