Why this Sydney sculpture is going to be torn down

The Origami Horses sculpture in the pedestrian mall adjoining West Ryde Plaza is set to be relocated after months of being barricaded.

The plan follows a handful of pedestrians being injured by walking into the sculpture.

"I was having a discussion with a number of businessmen at the plaza and they were expressing concerns about a number of things, including the horse sculptures," the mayor of Ryde, Bill Pickering, said.

"While having that discussion someone had walked into it and split his head open."

The man in his 70s required stitches to his forehead following the collision with one of the three horses - which range from three metres to 5.5m tall - while walking and talking with a friend at the end of last year.

"My immediate reaction was to have the area cordoned off because it was a safety concern," Cr Pickering said. ''There were temporary barriers put up and now there are permanent structures."

The three aluminium sculptures designed by Milne & Stonehouse in collaboration with a local primary school were installed in 2013 to bring colour to the plaza. But since being installed, the sculptures have caused concern.

Council workers sawed off the tail of one horse in 2014 due to its sharp point and potential danger to children. Pot plants and seating were also installed to deter people from walking directly into the horses, but Cr Pickering said that didn't stop people from colliding with them.

"People just don't take notice anymore - they're looking down at their phones and things like that," Cr Pickering said.

"Personally, I actually like the sculptures, they're actually very attractive and they light up at night - but my view is public safety has to come first."

A spokesman for Ryde Council said following a meeting last December the "council resolved to remove the artwork (horse sculpture) from West Ryde Plaza and to give formal notice to the artist of Council's resolution. Council is currently exploring other locations to relocate the artwork within the City of Ryde. Until a suitable location is determined, the artwork will be fenced off at West Ryde Plaza."

But questions are being raised as to why the community was not consulted about the plans for the future of the Origami Horses. "It was a push from the West Ryde chamber of commerce - but the community weren't consulted," Cr Jerome Laxale said. "You have to consult with the community."

A near-$1 million proposal to redevelop the mall would see the sculptures removed and replaced with shade cloths and seating areas, and a temporary stage at one end. "That's one of the proposals that we're looking at and I personally think that's what needs to happen, with or without the horses," Cr Pickering said.

Another option was for the sculptures remain in the plaza, but placed on poles above the ground. However, a majority of councillors resolved to remove the sculptures.

"I don't necessarily agree with the majority decision, as I feel there are probably more people who walk into power poles and trees all the time, or trip over footpaths," another councillor, Justin Li, said. "For as long as there are people, there will be people who walk into things - I don't think we can always bubble wrap everything."

Fairfax Media understands the sculptures will be placed into storage until a new suitable alternative location can be found. The council is looking at a number of locations, including the Ryde Riding for the Disabled in Marsfield Park, which runs therapy classes.