Eight plaques will mark Meridian Line at meridian South

An important development in the history of the Meridian Line takes place this week with a ceremony to unveil unique public art-works that mark the lie of the line in South London.

The imaginary line, which runs between the North and South Poles takes on a very solid form on Friday 20th April when the developer of the newly completed Meridian South housing scheme in Hither Green, Lewisham, unveils 8 plaques marking the line’s progress through the site.

Bellway South East, which has constructed the 544 apartments and amenities that make up this prestigious £100 million development, has invited the Mayor of Lewisham, Steve Bullock, to unveil the commemorative plaques.

By international convention the Meridian Line runs through site of the main telescope at the nearby Royal Observatory in Greenwich. The Meridian South brass plaques, designed by artist Steve Lewis of Plan Art Projects Ltd, each depict the places where the imaginary 0o Longitude line enters and leaves the United Kingdom and key points along the route. They are set into the ground marking the Line.

On hand to greet the Mayor will be Bellway South East’s Managing Director, Andy Wibling; Site Project Manager, Mike Ellis; Sales Director, Palvinder Thandi; and Site Office Manager, Sue Franklin. Also in attendance will be Graham Dolan, Senior Education Officer at the National Maritime Museum and author of the book ‘On the Line’, the story of the Greenwich Meridian.

Just last month (March 2007) Bellway welcomed Lewisham Central Safer Neighbourhoods Team to Meridian South where a historic Clock Tower was opened as a satellite police station.

Andy Wibling said: “"We hope the new community we have helped to form at Meridian South and the local residents in Lewisham will enjoy this unique piece of artwork. This not only celebrates their connection with the Meridian Line, it is a pleasant way for us to mark the completion of our first, and hopefully not our last, involvement with the regeneration of Lewisham.”

Mike Ellis added: "It is not often that you purchase a site where history plays a part. Meridian South is a landmark development in Hither Green and is a key aspect in the regeneration programme of Lewisham. In conjunction with the town Planners, it has always been our intention to acknowledge the route of the Meridian Line through the southern quarter of the development. Being a stone’s through from Greenwich, the birthplace of time, we have created a long-standing feature for the community and visitors alike for now and in the future. "

The Meridian South plaques depict a range of sites from Patrington Church in North Yorkshire, where the Meridian Line enters the UK through to Peacehaven in Sussex.

For further information, visit bellway.co.uk.