Authorities have suspended plans for a $177k ‘You Are Here’ sculpture on beach headland after fiery community backlash

A furious community backlash has forced a Sydney council to suspend plans for a giant ‘You Are Here” sculpture on a beautiful beach headland.

An artist's impression of a proposed $177,000 sandstone block sculpture on North Mona Vale Headland, commissioned by Northern Beaches Council, that will be part of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk Public Art program. Picture: Supplied

Authorities have suspended plans for a giant sandstone sculpture on a beautiful beach headland that spelled the words “You Are Here” — along with a massive “X”— after a fierce community backlash.

Furious locals ripped into Northern Beaches Council for spending $177,000 on the artwork, earmarked for an empty park on North Mona Vale Headland.

They described it as a “monstrosity”, a “blight on the landscape” and “a piece of environmental vandalism” and wanted the reserve kept as it is.

The council described “You are Here” as a “whimsical and interactive artwork” that can also be used as informal seating or play space.

Artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro will create a $177,000 sandstone block sculpture on North Mona Vale Headland, commissioned by Northern Beaches Council, that will be part of the Northern Beaches Coast Walk Public Art program. Picture: Supplied

But council CEO, Ray Brownlee has conformed on Wednesday the project, to be added to the Northern Beaches Coast Walk Art Program, was suspended to allow a “comprehensive review” to take place.

It comes after Mayor Michael Regan and councillors Rory Amon, Michael Gencher and Miranda Korzy had planned to bring motions to next Tuesday’s council meeting calling for it to pause and review the project based on community feedback received to date.

Last week northern beaches residents inundated a Facebook post seeking opinions on the now-controversial artwork.

“It’s outright vandalism,” wrote one local.

“I know art is subjective, but this is just completely obnoxious, wasteful of both public money and public space.”

Another said it was “ugly, unnecessary and a blight on the landscape” while another resident agreed it was “more of an eyesore than art”.

There were a few locals supporting the sculpture decision.

One suggested that she got the “sense that it will actually be fantastic when in place”.

“It will grow on us and present surprising uses. It works for me as art.”

Respected and well known artists Claire Healy and Sean Cordeiro have been given the job of creating the art work that will be installed on the headland.

Sign like this one the “Bilgola Bends” on Barrenjoey Rd were an inspiration for the “You Are Here” sculpture. Picture: Martin Lange

Another sign on the Bilgola Bends. Picture: Martin Lange

Another sign on Barrenjoey Rd at the Bilgola Bends. Picture: Martin Lange

The artists said they were inspired by the quirky handmade signs — created by locals with messages to loved one on special occasions — that have become a tradition on the “Bilgola Bends” section of Barrenjoey Rd.

They predict their “playful and humorous” work would “integrate with its surroundings and become part of the open space”.

A special art selection committee, made up of council staff and public art experts, recommended the work, from the 17 submitted, to the elected councillors.

They voted in November last year, six votes to five, for it to go ahead.

Liberal councillor Stuart Sprott, who voted against the artwork, said on Friday, it should not have gone ahead.

“I’m not against art and I know that everyone has their own tastes in art, but I couldn’t see the value in this, or the purpose of it, at all.

“It’s just something else to mow around.”

Cr Sprott said the money for “You Are Here” would be better spent fixing potholes on council’s roads.

Mr Brownlee said on Wednesday that the council wanted to acknowledge and thank the artists for their professionalism and high-quality work to date.

“Council has now decided to suspend the project while a full review is undertaken.

“This decision is about listening and responding to our community and if we need to further consult with them, then we will because we value the importance of public art and the views of our community.”