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Search the Public Notice PortalA PROPOSAL to uproot and relocate the historic fountain sculpture from Culver Square has been branded “utterly pointless” by readers.
The proposal would replace the fountain with new street furniture and tweak the layout, including removing a lamppost, with the aim of allowing the square to host a wider range of events and community activities.
The fountain, which has been a landmark of the shopping centre since it opened in 1988, would be moved to The Minories garden.
It has become the focus of debate over how best to refresh the city centre.
Some welcome investment in the precinct but say the focus should be on filling empty units and cleaning up nearby streets, rather than dismantling one of the square’s few distinctive features.
Theodora Ford said: “Culver Square is fine as it is. Spend the money on something we actually need like smartening up Queen Street or tidying up the wasteland behind the VAF (another monstrosity).
“If you want a good ‘community space’ use the old Debenhams.”
Another reader said: “Utterly pointless. Looks pretty good as it is. Would like to see some more money making Queen Street look smarter. None of the redevelopment there has really hit the mark yet.”
Strong criticism came from former Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell, who launched a passionate defence of the sculpture in his objection to the proposal.
“Only boorish uncultivated people would want to destroy a sculpture,” he said.
“This is a special Colchester sculpture, it is unique, although it seems the Philistines who want to destroy are oblivious to this.
“It features aspects relating to Colchester. It was made by a Colchester sculptor.
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“Plonking part of the sculpture in the delightful gardens of The Minories is not appropriate for the setting of this listed building.
"Presumably the disfigured parts of the sculpture intended for The Minories garden would need planning permission. Has this been sought?
“I object to the planning application to remove the sculpture from Culver Square, an action which will destroy this unique piece of Colchester art.”
The Gazette contacted Culver Square Shopping Centre for comment.
Colchester Council has yet to make a decision on the application.
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