A towering 10-foot sculpture made from reclaimed oak now stands at one of Bradford's busiest traffic intersections, serving as the centerpiece of a new eco-park designed to reconnect urban residents with nature. The art installation, titled "Big Hug," has been strategically placed on a strip of land at the Latimer Street intersection where Leeds Road and Sticker Lane meet, creating an unexpected oasis of greenery amid the bustling traffic.

The sculpture anchors a comprehensive environmental project featuring more than 300 shrubs and pollinator-friendly plants, transforming what was once just another urban intersection into a vibrant eco-park. Artist John Merrill, a Yorkshire native, designed the nature-inspired artwork with the specific goal of encouraging local residents to explore and utilize nearby green spaces more frequently.

"Conversations with those living in the area led us towards a sculpture that was focused on the importance of community and the environment," explained Merrill. The sculptor drew his inspiration from deeply rooted concepts of human connection and growth, adding that the piece represents "the idea of family networks and family trees growing into something that is ready to flourish."

The ambitious project received joint funding from two major organizations: Arts Council England and Natural England, demonstrating significant institutional support for community-focused environmental art. The sculpture was commissioned by The Leap, a Bradford-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting community-led arts and cultural initiatives throughout the district.

Zulf Ahmed, director of The Leap, emphasized the project's significance in the broader context of Bradford's cultural development. "The installation of this artwork is the culmination of years of planning and preparation," Ahmed stated. "We're so pleased that in this City of Culture year, we're able to bring something new and inspiring to the famous Leeds Road corridor - a part of Bradford that is known for its strength through its diversity."

Paul Duncan, deputy director for Natural England in Yorkshire, expressed optimism about the sculpture's potential long-term impact on the community. "We hope that this beautiful new sculpture will inspire visitors and the local community to explore, celebrate, and understand their natural heritage whilst helping to tell the story of this special place for generations to come," Duncan said. The installation represents a growing trend of integrating environmental awareness with public art to create meaningful community spaces that serve both aesthetic and ecological purposes.