New lanterns artwork put up in Short Wyre Street Colchester

An archway has been put up in Short Wyre Street to act as a wayfinding piece, helping people navigate the town centre.

The artwork is the product of a community collaboration, designed and created by Colchester artist and sculpture Nicola Burrell, supported by local architecture practice HAT Projects.

It is designed to celebrate the vibrancy of the small independent retailers and businesses along Short Wyre Street, Eld Lane and Sir Isaac's Walk.

The work was commissioned by the Our Colchester Business Improvement Districts (BID) and paid for by Colchester Council.

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The artwork comprises a series of hand-made stainless steel lanterns spelling out the names of the streets, shaped to be visible from all angles and with coloured Perspex letters that will glow at night.

Artwork - the sign depicts the Colchester streetscape

Above them is Colchester streetscape of buildings inspired by the architecture including representations of the Baptist Church, the almshouses on Eld Lane and the tower of Holy Trinity Church.

David King, leader of Colchester Council, said: “It's a delight to see businesses drawing attention to all they do. Our local independent traders bring variety, a distinctive feel and quality-of-choice to a thriving town centre.

“They help us all to ensure Colchester offers the best welcome possible to residents and visitors to our great city-to-be.”  

Mr Good added: “It’s wonderful to finally see this new wayfinding artwork in place on Short Wyre Street. 

“Colchester is home to so many wonderful independent retail and hospitality traders and it’s brilliant to be able to highlight them through projects like this wayfinding artwork.”

Collaborative - The sign was designed by local artist Nicola Burrell, supported by local architecture practice HAT Projects.

Some residents had taken to Twitter expressing concerns that somebody may trip on Colchester’s ‘poorly maintained paths’, whilst looking up at the sign.

Not to be a Debbie downer but who paid for this?? As my husband said you could be looking up at the new sign and trip on the poorly maintained paths! @yourcolchester @Essex_CC @willquince @MartinGossCol @Tim4Labour @Cllr_J_Young Where did money come from? pic.twitter.com/ApzjwTujek

— 💙Shelley (@SonicUtd) June 12, 2022

In response Mr Good said he “supported” the comment on the state of the pavements but said other investment in Colchester should not be stopped.

Although I support your comment of how poor the paving is, this is the responsibility of @essexhighways and should not stop other investment into the town centre in other areas. Note, the build is unfinished in this picture 2/2

— Sam Good (@SamGoodBID) June 12, 2022

He said: “Although I support your comment how poor the paving is, this is the responsibility of Essex Highways and should not stop other investment into the town centre in other areas.”