Tate Papworth
Sunshine’s much loved Millennium Man statue still stands… for now.
Last week Vicinity Centres, the operators of Sunshine Marketplace confirmed they had back flipped on their decision to restore the statue, citing costs and safety issues.
The company planned to remove the statue last weekend, but significant public backlash over the decision has brought about a brief deferral.
A post on the popular Millennium Man Menagerie Facebook page imploring people to voice their displeasure over the plan, reached almost 100,000 people.
The page administrator said the outpouring of emotion isn’t surprising.
“Locals have a strong connection and history with Millennium Man,” he said.
“It might be because they interacted with him or climbed him when they were kids. Or maybe because they see that towering figure from the train and know they are home.
“Other times, it’s because he’s been a local meeting spot with memories of friends and fun.
“Reasons differ but the connections are real, and hundreds of these stories have been pouring in since Vicinity announced that Millennium Man would be removed.”
Star Weekly understands that Vicinity has briefly paused its plans to demolish the statue so it can meet with community members and establish a compromise.
Sources close to those trying to save the statue say that while the current incarnation may be beyond repair, a bronzed replica, designed to stand the test of time would be a fitting alternative.
It is hoped that the significant public interest would result in a successful crowdfunding campaign to make the idea a reality.
“Millennium Man has a unique history that spans nearly a quarter-century,” the spokesman said.
“His story is both whimsical and is connected to Sunshine’s own journey since the 1990s.
“He’s no doubt the most visible local artifact of that period of time.”
