SurreyDocks in Southwark used to be one of the largest commerical docks in London. Sadly there is little left of the dock's heritage. The remains of the much missed 'ScotchDerrick Crane' on the ThamesPath were rescued by local blacksmith KevinBoys. The local community have come together to support Kevin using the remains of the crane to build a 7metre tall sculpture, as a lasting memorial to the history and heritage of the area, when Bermondsey and Rotherhithe was London's gateway to the world, teeming with boats bringing in spices, timber and grain. Our vision is to engage with local schools, teaching children about the history of the area and getting them involved in building the sculpture. We have already secured £30,000 in funding from local property developer HollyBrooke; Southwark Council are fully supportive and we even have a plinth in place on the ThamesPath, all ready for the statue!

What we'll deliver:

• Build a 7metre tall sculpture using the rescued remains of the Scotch Derrick Crane
• Engage local schools to bring the history of the area to life
• Allow local schools to become involved and to learn the ancient skills of blacksmithing

Why it's a great idea:

Building the Rotherhithe Red Crane will celebrate and bring to life the unique history and heritage of the area. With a prominent position on the Thames Footpath it will become an easily recognisable icon that will draw people to visit the area (doubly so with the planned re-opening next year of a nearby and long closed section of the ThamesFootpath). Our vision of engaging with local schools will add a further dimension of educating local children about the history of their area and empowering them by getting them involved in the creation and installation of the sculpture.

Steps to get it done:

• Agree a final size and scale for the sculpture (dependent on funding level)
• Begin to fabricate key structural and design elements of the statue
• Assemble the sculpture in the Forge on Surrey Docks Farm
• Install the sculpture on the plinth already installed by the river