🔄 UPDATE (April 1):
This article relates to an April Fools post shared earlier today. There are no confirmed plans for a statue of Ilson Gnome in Ilkeston Market Place.
A 20ft (6 metre) statue of Ilson Gnome is set to be installed in Ilkeston Market Place as part of a new town centre regeneration initiative.
An artist’s illustration released this week shows how the large-scale sculpture could look once in place – featuring the well-known local character wearing his “Morning Ken” t-shirt and holding a mug reading “I ❤️ Ilson.”
💰 FUNDING PACKAGE AGREED
Ilkeston News understands the project will be funded through a combination of regional regeneration funding and local investment, with the total cost expected to be in the region of £200,000–£250,000.
Sources indicate the funding forms part of a wider push to:
- Revitalise the town centre
- Increase visitor numbers
- Support local businesses
One source close to the project said:
“There’s been a lot of talk about how to bring more people into Ilkeston – this is about doing something bold that gets attention.”
🏗️ CONTRACTOR APPOINTED
It is understood that a specialist public art contractor has already been appointed, with early preparatory work expected to begin in the coming weeks.
Initial work is likely to focus on groundwork and base installation, ahead of the statue being delivered and installed later in the year.
📍 A NEW LANDMARK FOR THE TOWN
The statue is expected to be positioned centrally within Market Place, with plans also including decorative planting around the base to reflect Ilson Gnome’s association with flowers.
Supporters believe the installation could:
- Boost footfall in the town centre
- Create a recognisable landmark
- Generate significant social media attention
💬 REACTION ALREADY MIXED
News of the statue has already prompted debate among residents.
Some have welcomed the move, describing it as:
- “A brilliant idea”
- “Something different for the town”
- “Exactly what Ilkeston needs”
Others have raised concerns around:
- The cost of the project
- Funding priorities
- Whether it represents the best use of public money
👀 WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Work is expected to move forward following final approvals, with further details – including timelines – likely to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
🗣️ What do you think – bold new landmark or money better spent elsewhere?
Ilkeston News will keep you updated.
2 Comments
This will look tacky and is its been placed on a war memorial?
Don’t worry – no plans for a statue – it was an April Fool’s Day post from Ilson Gnome