When people think of Wakefield I wonder if they also think of the 20th century’s most influential and famous sculptors, Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth?

Both were born in the Wakefield district. They are as much a part of our cultural heritage here as our industrial past. This month we will put the city on the international cultural map with the opening the Hepworth.

Designed by David Chipperfield, it is the UK’s biggest purpose-built gallery for 50 years. The gallery has been more than a decade in the planning and represents a vision conceived in a different era of local government, but one that we have had the drive to follow through, even in these difficult financial times. 

When the recession hit in 2008 we were already seeing the structure of the gallery rise from the ground. We were too far advanced then to turn back, even if we had wanted to – and we didn’t want to.

I believe that even as we must make huge savings in council budgets we must also invest in the future, pushing the boundaries and not defaulting to the lowest denominator.

What we do today will impact on people both now and in the future. The Hepworth is all about inspiring people, providing something for them to enjoy, to talk about and to come to Wakefield for.

As well as the Hepworth we also have the National Coalmining Museum in the area. Both are part of our culture, both are talking points, both make people think about the past, yet look forward to better things. 

 And we also have the Yorkshire Sculpture Park here in the district. These are all examples of working together. Culture is part of what we all do – not just what the council does – and we are always looking for new ways of working together through innovative partnerships and trusts to make things happen.

The Hepworth, which itself is soon to become a trust, is an example of effective partnership working – Wakefield Council has had the vision to deliver the gallery and the confidence to underwrite it, working with regional, national and international partners.

Local people have been encouraged to take ownership with exclusive tours and school visits as the building took shape. They are invited to open the Hepworth because we want this to be a people’s gallery.

The Hepworth is, of course, an artwork in its own right and like all modern art has provoked lively public discussion. People have been writing to me, to local newspapers, talking in the street about the building design.

Some love its angular shape, some don’t – but they do talk about it and that’s great. I just love idea of people discussing modern art as they go about their ordinary business.

So far, everyone has an opinion on the outside – let’s see what they say when they get inside.

Peter Box is the leader of Wakefield City Council