Future flower blooms on banks of River Mersey

The Widnes Future Flower is lit up by wind powered 60 low power LED lights

Work has started on the creation of a 14 metre high metallic flower on the banks of the River Mersey in Widnes.

The Widnes Future Flower is an art work made from 120 metallic petals which flutter in the wind to generate energy from wind power.

This energy is used to colour the flower by powering LED lights in shades of red which change depending on the strength and direction of the wind.

The Widnes Future Flower will be officially opened on 29 March 2010.

Halton Borough Council Leader Cllr Tony McDermott said, "It is an amazing piece of artwork. We are proud to see how quickly the Widnes Waterfront area is developing and expect thousands of people to enjoy the Future Flower over the coming months."

The Future Flower is designed by architect Tonkin Liu as part of an international design competition and is funded by the North West Development Agency as part of the ongoing Widnes Waterfront Regeneration Programme.

Widnes Waterfront is a regeneration project covering over 200 acres of former industrial land to create a modern business park and leisure facilities.