A PUBLIC square next to Colchester Town train station has finally been unveiled.

It was originally due to open at the same time as the town’s £25million magistrates’ court in April last year.

It was unveiled yesterday by Nick Barlow, councillor responsible for regeneration.

The £260,000 square celebrates Colchester’s engineering history and features a Paxman engine crankshaft. The firm had a base nearby during the Second World War.

The words of a poem, written by Wivenhoe’s Martin Newell, have been laid into cast iron plates at the square, designed by artist Jo Fairfax. Mr Barlow said: “Town Station Square is a really important development for Colchester, making an attractive gateway to the town.

“We felt creating the right mood was really important.

“The square celebrates the town’s engineering heritage and complements the existing transformation taking place in the St Botolph’s Quarter.”

The square, which includes bicycle racks and seats, has been created by Colchester Council, Greater Anglia and the court service.

It was funded by developer contributions, largely from the court.