PLANS are in place to bring a “beautiful” sculpture to Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens which would represent “hope, growth and community togetherness”.
A 3.4 metre high hand sculpture creating a heart shape has been proposed opposite the bandstand by Cameron Hamilton’s grandmother Tracy Jose.
Mr Hamilton, 18, was fatally stabbed in the Square last summer but Ms Jose hopes the death would bring change regarding knife crime.
Ms Jose said: “My vision for the hand sculpture is that it is a symbol of hope, growth and positive community togetherness.
“A symbol for our community showing the continuing and lasting positive change that I hope Cameron's tragic death will bring about and that together changes are made.
“It would be a beautiful addition to Bournemouth Lower Gardens. The idea would be to have possibly evergreen climbing plants, maybe jasmine, growing up the sculpture to cuff height. Again, symbolic of new life and change and growth.
“The hands making a heart sign is a universal symbol used by young and old alike to share and show love and display togetherness with each other.”
The sculpture, set around three metres back from the bandstand to allow for a full 360-degree view, would cost £9,358, according to a quote from Iron Works of Distinction to Ms Jose.
She added: “It would be a beautiful place for all to stop take a photograph, recreating a heart symbol with their hands, capturing smiling, happy and special memories or moments in Bournemouth with friends and family.
“I would imagine it will even be a place where many marriage proposals take place where a beautiful backdrop.”
From mid-April to mid-May and for five weeks, the Lower Gardens will be used as a place to bring awareness to knife crime in a nationwide campaign.
BCP Council’s youth service team is booking an artist to do some knife-related art work during the month while carrying out workshops with young people.
There is also expected to be a Celebrate Youth Event on May 18 in the gardens, likely to be around having a number of activities for young people to try and also maybe an open mic type venue for young people to showcase their talents.
Meanwhile the knife angel which was supposed to come to Bournemouth in February was cancelled due to the court trail into Mr Hamilton's death.
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