A ‘LANDMARK sculpture’ called Cusp which is due to replace the Beechenhurst visitor centre’s Giant Chair will take a bit longer than its name suggests.

The 10-metre high wing-like structure made from intricate metal trusses and Dean oak created by internationally-acclaimed artist Elpida Hadzi-Vasileva was due to be sited in the Forest’s Sculpture Trail last spring.

But with the artist due to start another major commission for Nottingham University, the Sculpture Trust has announced that Cusp now won’t be unveiled until next year, when it will form part of the Forestry Commission’s centenary celebrations.

Tests are being carried out on the structure to make sure it doesn’t sink like the pyramid-like Hill 33, which was chained off on safety grounds soon after being installed in 2010.

Acting project manager Eira Szadurski said the various parts were now being given engineering checks before assembly next year, to ensure it will last for many years.

The sculpture is set to stand on the former ‘Place’ site, the hilltop view occupied by the Giant Chair until it was removed for safety reasons and brunt for charcoal three years ago.

Ms Szadurski said: “All our newly commissioned works are designed to have life spans which ensure that multiple generations of visitors can grow up alongside our sculptures, as many did with Place by Magdalena Jetelova.

“The Trust wishes for Cusp to be as large a part of the fabric of the Forest as Place came to be and as such we wish to do everything within our power to ensure we maximise this works lifespan.

“By carrying out these additional structural engineering works and delaying the project slightly now we hope to ensure the sculpture when in place will stand proudly for many years within our landscape. Due to additional structural engineering for this impressive construction the launch will now take place in 2019, Forestry Commission Englands’s centenary year.”

When announced last year, the Scuplture Trust said Cusp would evoke “the spirituality, heritage and landscape of the Forest and its people.

“Cusp will first appear tree-like in its form, as part of the landscape,” it said. “Closer up, the artist envisions that the ‘branches’ might suggest the wings of a bird such as the Forest’s buzzards or opening hands in a gesture of welcome, giving and receiving.

“Positioned on a hill top with panoramic views of the Cannop Valley, Cusp will ignite and hone the senses as the sounds of the Forest echo within the sculpture and natural light casts shadows on the surrounding landscape.

“This is one of the most ambitious sculptural builds the sculpture trust has ever undertaken and we are receiving incredible support from funders and local people to realise its successful completion.

“The sculpture will not only be an awe-inspiring new and iconic landmark to the Forest, but will also host education workshops for schools and community groups for decades to come.”