Gateway 3
2016
The intent was to transform a previously drab and unkept roundabout into a new and striking point of entry encompassing the giant “M” sculpture as the centrepiece.
The sculpture was designed as part of a wider landscape approach to include meadow planting and chevron paving to turn the whole roundabout into a distinctive gateway feature.
The combination of nature, represented by the trees and meadow planting, and engineering elements brings together the area’s past as open land and farmer’s fields while celebrating its more recent role as a place of creativity and industry.
Located at the north-western corner of the business district, it is formed of the roundabout on the London Road at the junctions with Betts Way and Fleming Way. Zone 2 – (Blue)
Gateway 3 is home to one of Manor Royal’s landmark artworks — a striking, large‑scale sculpture designed to welcome people arriving at the north‑west entrance to the Business District.
Inspired by the Manor Royal “M” logo, the piece blends bold geometry with natural surroundings to create a memorable sense of arrival.
The sculpture is made from corten steel, giving it a warm, weathered appearance that contrasts beautifully with the green pines on the roundabout. Its open, lattice‑like structure means you can see through it as you move past, creating shifting patterns of light, shadow and colour. This gives the artwork a subtle kinetic quality — it appears to change as drivers circle the roundabout or approach from different directions.
Artist: Allen Scott Landscape Architecture
The giant “M” sculpture at Gateway 3 was inspired partly by the work of world‑famous artist Antony Gormley — the same sculptor behind the Angel of the North. His use of geometric forms influenced the way Gateway 3’s frame creates shifting patterns as you move past it, giving the artwork a subtle sense of motion even though it never actually moves.
