Artist design for exciting new wayfinding artwork released

*THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION IS NOW CLOSED*

Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) is asking residents for their views on an exciting new artist designed wayfinding artwork on the junction of Short Wyre St and Queen St/St Botolph’s St in the town centre.

An online survey will be open from Thursday 14^th October 2021 until Thursday 28^th October 2021. Residents will have the opportunity to see initial proposals for the piece, which forms part of a wider strategy by the BID and Colchester Borough Council to make improvements to the town centre and support local independent businesses, particularly in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Sited at a key junction along the independent shopping route that currently suffers from poor signage, the piece is intended to help celebrate the distinctive identity of the streets and invite visitors to explore further.

Nicola Burrell was selected to design the work, bringing a wealth of experience as a locally based sculptor who has regularly made work for the public realm in metal and has done extensive research into the site and its history.

Sam Good, BID Manager said:  "We are really excited about the possibilities for this installation. Not only will it act as a wayfinding sign for the town, it also has the opportunity to highlight Short Wyre Street as a destination in the town centre.

We're pleased to be working with a local architectural practice and a local artist to invest in the town centre. The design highlights the distinctiveness of our independent business offering in this area. This will also play a key role in the place making of this area within the town centre."

The project is being managed by Colchester based architecture practice, HAT Projects, who are also responsible for the forthcoming transformation of St Nicholas Square.

The online survey can be found here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/UHSX7S/

More information on the recommended projects can be found here