In 2022 a wayfinding artwork by another Colchester artist, Nicola Burrell, was installed at the entrance to Short Wyre Street as part of the same project, forming a decorative steel archway. Both installations are a result of the BID commissioned Indies Route Strategy, a report by local architecture and planning practice HAT Projects, which made recommendations on how to support the independent sector in Colchester’s City Centre. Our Colchester BID commissioned this research to help inform their targeted plan to support and champion independent businesses within the BID zone.

In addition to wayfinding, following the report’s recommendations the BID has also installed festoon lighting along Sir Isaacs Walk, Eld Lane, Short Wyre Street, Bank Passage, and Pelhams Lane. The report highlighted the need for additional lighting in the first three streets, with further lighting being installed in Bank Passage and Pelham’s Lane following the success of the first installation and the interest of businesses in these locations. 

Sam Good, Manager of Our Colchester BID Said, “It’s brilliant to see the City Centre being brought to life with work from local artists. Delivering on the Indie Vision recommendations and seeing the City Centre benefit from this is extremely rewarding. Not only does it highlight the brilliant streets hosting our independent businesses, it also showcases the fantastic artists we have in Colchester.

In the coming years Our Colchester BID are planning to do a review of the Indie Vision document and identify further benefits the BID can deliver for our independent businesses and the local streetscape.” 

Ben Coode-Adams said: “It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to make a piece of work for my home town. I am immensely grateful to be able to add to the rich visual tapestry of our city. 

I really enjoyed delving deep into Colchester’s past to find inspiration for this sculptural relief in our history, pre-history and myth. The imagery is based on ancient items in the Castle Museum as well as objects from Colchester that are in the British Museum. I was amazed at the range of source material available to me from tiny coins and jewellery to large funerary sculpture, all beautifully crafted and designed. 

I hope my work reflects that commitment to craft and despite its size has some of that bling our forebears loved.”

Hana Loftus, director at HAT Projects, said: “We are delighted to support the BID and to commission local artists  to bring to life the busy lanes of the City Centre, reflecting the vibrancy of the businesses located there. Like our independent businesses, these unique artworks reinforce Colchester’s distinctive character and make it unlike anywhere else.”

Cllr Alison Jay, Colchester City Council Portfolio Holder for Economy, Transformation and Performance, added: “Supporting Colchester's independent businesses has never been more important.  This new installation, with its sister work in Short Wyre Street, helps to showcase the 'indies route' and tell a story of Colchester's rich and important history.  In this way it will make a trip into Colchester even better, adding interest and context to the street as well as providing wayfinding.

“Our local independent traders bring variety, a distinctive feel and quality-of-choice to a thriving city centre. They help to ensure that Colchester offers an interesting and different city centre experience for local people and visitors alike.”