London architects firm Duggan Morris has been chosen to build a spectacular moveable structure on the Leeds Liverpool canal in the Housing Market Renewal area of Sefton.

Their design of a canoeist's profile in full motion which opens out with jetties won over the judges in the competition which saw entries arrive from all over Europe.

The design will now become a reality and once built will provide leisure resources to the local community as well as being a landmark piece of art in the public realm.

Joe Morris one of the architects behind the winning entry said:

"We are absolutely astonished and delighted to win. We believe our design will compliment the regeneration already taking place in the area and will enhance the work already completed. We can't wait to get started and are looking forward to spending a lot of time in the area as we move forward."

Art for Places is a unique and inspirational scheme aimed at helping communities re-shape their neighbourhoods through public art.

The project, which is a partnership between NewHeartlands, the Liverpool Biennial and the Arts Council England (North West) along with local authorities and Housing Associations, will result in three public art commissions across Merseyside's HMR areas, Liverpool, Sefton and Wirral.

Sefton will be the first project to be completed.

NewHeartlands Managing Director Pauline Davis said:

"The fantastic idea about Art for Places is that the piece of public art is a resource for the community in addition to being a landmark structure for the area. I'm very impressed with the design of the winner and how it fits into the surroundings of the Leeds Liverpool Canal. It'll be a great addition to the area."

Paul Kelly the HMR Public Realm Manager said:

"It was a difficult process to pick a winner because the designs and ideas for the canal were of such a high standard. We believe we've chosen the best design for the site and one that will offer the most to the area. We're looking forward to working with Duggan Morris now to construct what is sure to be a landmark piece of architecture for Sefton."

The three year programme goes hand in hand with a community engagement programme with a wide variety of activities running in each of the local authority areas involved in Merseyside's Housing Market Renewal (HMR) Programme: Sefton, Wirral, and Liverpool.