Holywood residents run for hills over plans for £1.5m Hollywood-style sign

Holywood, Co Down is to follow in the footsteps of its glitzy US namesake, Hollywood, Los Angeles, after planners gave the go-ahead for the erection of a £1.5 m giant sign.
By Staff Reporter
Published 1st Apr 2021, 06:59 GMT
Updated 1st Apr 2021, 07:08 GMT
The Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Now there is a plan for such a Holywood sign in the Holywood Hills, Co DownThe Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Now there is a plan for such a Holywood sign in the Holywood Hills, Co Down
The Hollywood sign in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles. Now there is a plan for such a Holywood sign in the Holywood Hills, Co Down

The News Letter can reveal the Holywood name will be spelled out in 40ft-tall white capital letters and will be some 300 ft long – similar proportions to the iconic American sign, which was created in 1923.

The sign, which will be situated in Holywood’s own hills, like the Hollywood Hills, will be made of wood and sheet metal.

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It will be visible from the far side of Belfast Lough and from approach roads to Holywood such as the Sydenham Bypass.

The project was put forward by local businessman Crawford Wylie-Fox, 52, who is footing the bill for the entire construction.

Mr Wylie-Fox said: “I have lived in Holywood all my life and have a deep affection for this beautiful town.

“With so many celebrities from here, such as Rory McIlroy and Jamie Dornan, I thought what better way to showcase our own Holywood than with a huge, over-sized sign.”

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However, not everyone is happy with the plans. One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I think it will be a monstrosity and an eyesore. Holywood is a haven of gentility. A giant, tacky sign is certain to attract the wrong sort of people to the area, and quite possibly have an impact on house prices. What next, hand prints on High Street?”

It is understood construction of the sign, officially announced this first day of April, will begin in the autumn with a 2023 completion date.

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Related topics:Hollywood