A sculpture by Pambula artist Jen Mallinson – “The meeting of two rivers” – will sit alongside the pathway in the gardens, “to encourage interaction and enhance its visual appeal” according to the council.

The sculpture’s arrival comes after a drawn out process including a legal dispute the Bega District News understands is yet to be finalised.

The council budgeted $30,000 for the public artwork, a tender won by Ms Mallinson after her pitch won over the selection panel last year with an idea that symbolises a connection to environment and culture.

Described in a council release this week, “laser cut patterns represent local flora and fauna as well as the Aboriginal history of Bega being a meeting place. The shape of the steel artwork represents the conjunction of the Bega and Brogo Rivers and instils a feeling of being nurtured and the embracing of cultures.”

However, the engineering firm Ms Mallinson originally tasked with the sculpture’s creation, Ox Engineering Group, refused to hand over the piece until more money was forthcoming for what Ox said was a significant redesign.

While the BDN understands a court hearing date is yet to be set, it seems Ms Mallinson has engaged with another steel fabrication firm to complete her design and make good on her contract with the council.

“After some initial hold ups on the development of the artwork, I am really pleased that Littleton Gardens will soon be home to this special sculpture,” BVSC manager of community and culture Simon Schweitzer said.

“Art in public spaces creates a point of difference and interest, it enhances ambience and attractiveness, encourages use of outdoor areas and contributes to a sense of pride and wellbeing in the community.”

Preliminary works around the sculpture’s installation will involve a garbage bin and tree being moved elsewhere in the gardens.

Foundations will then be laid and the work itself should be in place by the second week of spring, just as the trees of Littleton Gardens start to bloom again.