Brand fear for Imagination

Imagination is wary about compromising its creativity by incorporating the brands of sponsors into its designs for the Millennium Festival, which will now definitely be held at Greenwich.

“We’re going to start to work closely with the sponsors to find ways for their brands to feature in the design, but we don’t want it to be one big commercial,” says an Imagination spokeswoman.

Heritage Secretary Virginia Bottomley gave Greenwich the green light last week after Government advisor Sir Peter Levene indicated 140m will be forthcoming from sponsors.

Imagination says it is hoping to unveil its full design plans for the festival by late July.

Meanwhile, Wembley Stadium is poised to show detailed designs by Foster & Partners for its bid to be the UK’s national sports stadium. Wembley and Manchester were shortlisted last year as potential sites for the project. No date has been set for the decision, as the Sports Council is “still involved in financial discussions”. Arup Associates is the architect for Manchester.

And the Heritage Lottery Fund has pledged 15.5m to adapt a section of London’s Somerset House into a gallery for the 75m Gilbert Collection of silver, gold and micro-mosaics. “Designs have been put forward, but these might not be the ones we’ll use,” confirms a gallery spokeswoman. The Heather Trust for the Arts will hold a meeting this week to shortlist designers.