A new sculpture has been unveiled to celebrate the heritage of a site previously home to a soap factory.

During remediation work on the Water Mill Gardens development in Prestwich in 2020, a waterwheel was discovered that dates back to the 1500s and was excavated by Salford University archaeologists.

Following the discovery, artwork has been commissioned by site developers to celebrate the manufacturing heritage of the site, which was home to the Cussons factory, famous for producing Imperial Leather soap.

Bury Times: The sculpture

Managing director at Cube Homes, Christopher Heath, said: “This is a landmark moment for Cube Homes.

“We have been working on this development since 2020 and it’s great to see so many residents settled and happy in their new homes and to be able to showcase this sculpture.

“The original water wheel dates back to Henry VIII’s reign so it’s an incredible way to remember the story of the development.”

Artist David Tragen added: “It was a real honour to be asked to design this sculpture and it’s lovely to finally see it taking pride of place in the development and hearing how much it means to residents.

Bury Times: Watermill Gardens

“The dynamic sculpture evokes the movement of the twisting waves as if propelled by the water wheel, creating the effect of perpetual motion. It is designed to feature an optical illusion, with a distorted sense of depth.”

The water wheel artwork features 3D waves in a spiral pattern and is said to symbolise the connection between the old and the new.

A new information board signposting the site history has also been commissioned.

The excavation work on the site also uncovered substantial structural remains of the former mill, including a large waterwheel pit that had been cut into the sandstone bedrock, together with associated water channels.

Bury Times: Claire Trevett, Katie Dyson and Chris Heath of Cube Homes with Christian Wakeford MP, artist David

Matthew Harrison, chief executive at Great Places, added: “We were delighted to host Christian Wakeford (Bury South MP) on a visit to Watermill Gardens, which is a great example of partnership working to produce a new mixed development including much-needed affordable homes.

“The development has proved popular with significant interest in our shared ownership homes.

“We hope our customers will be inspired by the sculpture to find out more for themselves about the rich history of the development- its acquisition as a mill by Alexander Tom Cussons, the site’s bombing in 1941, and its more recent history made famous for the manufacturing of Imperial Leather soap.”