BRONZE sculptures of a man holding a paper cup and a giant woman could be coming to Colchester High Street as part of a massive department store redevelopment.

The artwork could be installed outside the £35 million Fenwick store, formerly Williams and Griffin, following the massive redevelopment project which was completed last month.

The first statue, a lifelike replica of a man slight bigger than half-size holding a cup could be installed four metres above the ground on a plinth.

While the second, a 2.2 metre figure of an Asian woman walking along the street would be placed on ground level outside the store.

Similar artwork stands in London and Oslo and an application for the pair has been lodged by Fenwick to Colchester Council.

In a planning statement renowned sculptor Sean Henry said the piece known as Walking Woman gave off a strong message.

He said: “Dressed in black and striding forwards, the sculpture exudes a quiet sense of purpose, that of a person with a clear direction.

“Although both sculptures are essentially anonymous figures, the selection creates balance in terms of depicting both a man and a woman, as well as different cultural groups.

“As a powerful female figure she will also perhaps draw the viewers’ attention to the sometimes under represented and vital role women play in our society.”

Mr Henry said the art could inspire more creative minds to flock towards Fenwick and believed vandals were unlikely to strike.

He said: “Work in other public locations, such as Newbiggin Bay in Northumberland, central Stockholm and Holland Park, London, has inspired dance and poetry and certainly become the focus for much discussion.

“Occasionally, people might try to add to the work with paint –but this is easily removed and in my experience happens very rarely, especially if the work is at ground level and standing as one of us.”

The council’s culture boss Tim Young (Lab) welcomed the plans.

He said: “I don’t think it’s a bad idea, anything that adds to the colour and vibrancy of the High Street should be welcomed. No doubt there will be a mixed reaction to them but anything that gets people talking about Colchester, I’m supportive of."

Castle ward councillor Darius Laws (Con) said: “I’ve not studied the plans yet, but in principle I welcome statues, they can be a good way to enhance the public realm and make a unique destination such as Colchester even more interesting.

“I personally think there should be a giant Roman Centurion erected in the fields near Colchester North Station, a huge Humpty Dumpty somewhere near St Mary’s Church and Boudicca’s plinth by Asda roundabout should be raised up.”