Work begins to install Hope Bell in Queen's Park 

The structure will be a tribute to the NHS and key workers.

Initial foundation work is underway on the installation of the Hope Bell in Loughborough which will mark the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on local communities.

Located in Queen’s Park, it will also be a space for reflection to remember those lost in the pandemic.

Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for open spaces, said: “The pandemic was a significant moment in history and had a devastating impact across the world.

“The Hope Bell will be a place where people can come to remember loved ones and the sacrifices people made to help others and keep them safe. It will also be a welcome addition to Queen’s Park, particularly as it is already home to Taylor’s bells in the Carillon Tower.”

Bells are synonymous with Loughborough as it is home to the last major bellfoundry in the UK, John Taylor & Co.

The local bellfoundry is making the Hope Bell on behalf of the Council.

The project is being funded by Loughborough Town Deal which has secured £16.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund. The Town Deal is backing 11 projects in total which will bring in over £40million of total investment.

Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, lead member for economic development, regeneration and town centres, said: “The Hope Bell not only marks an important event in our past, it also celebrates the town’s unique bell-making heritage in an eye-catching, visual and accessible way.

“It will be a lasting memorial, both to those who lost their lives and a recognition of the sacrifices many people made to help others during the pandemic.”

The Hope Bell is a clock chime installation comprising four quarter chime bells and the main Hope Bell to sound the hours.

It will be 7.5 metres high, with the hour bell weighing over a ton.

Over the coming weeks the foundations for the main structure will be laid with the main structure due to be installed later in the summer, followed by the addition of the stone base in September or October.