Look up! New works of art to transform two city centre areas

Chelmsford City Council has launched a new public art commission to create two permanent pieces in the city centre.

Essex-based artist Ben Coode-Adams and international artist duo Public Art Works have been given an open brief to explore and come up with exciting designs to brighten up two well-known but underwhelming landmarks.

The commissioned artists were selected through an open call and an interview process, advertised nationally and by Ignite Chelmsford. The selection process and artist management is also supported by arts specialist Kath Wood.

Both pieces will be long-term, helping to draw out the character of the city, and are funded by developer contributions collected specifically for the purpose of providing public art.

Artwork above Cornhill

The first commission will be installed next to the indoor market, at Cornhill, the pedestrianised street that leads to Market Square. You’ll need to look up to see the artwork, which will be installed overhead. The project is in its infancy, but the final piece could be suspended between the two buildings either side of the street or project out from one side.

Cornhill’s piece will be designed by Public Art Works, a collaboration founded by artist Aprille McShane and architect Tony Broomhead. Bringing together over 25 years of experience, they create both permanent and temporary art for public spaces across the UK and internationally.

Aprille and Tony will design a piece of public art which will be suspended above Cornhill by Chelmsford Market.

Aprille and Tony said:

“

"We are thrilled to have been commissioned to create a new artwork for the city of Chelmsford. We look forward to developing a piece that reflects Cornhill's character, sparks curiosity and creates moments of reflection and connection for those who encounter it for years to come."

Aprille McShane and Tony Broomhead, Public Art Works

Wall art at Meadows Retail Car Park

The second will appear on the stair tower of Meadows Retail Car Park, the prominent five-storey yellow brick building that you can see from much of the south end of the city centre. It sits next to the historic canalside area of Springfield Basin, welcoming you to the city as you walk, drive or cycle over High Bridge Road.

This piece will be designed by Ben Coode-Adams, an award-winning local sculptor, painter and farmer whose publicly commissioned work appears all over the UK, from Stockport and Melton Mowbray to London and Colchester.

Ben Coode-Adams will design a piece of art for the stair tower at Meadows Retail Car Park.

Ben said:

“

"I'm thrilled to be working on this project — it's a real privilege to make work in the city where I was born. Chelmsford and its waterways have always felt close to me. As a (slow) runner, I love the towpaths and have spent many happy hours trundling about. I can't wait to bring something new to this prominent spot in the heart of the city.”

Ben Coode-Adams, Sculptor and Painter

Public invited to help shape Cornhill piece

The Cornhill public artists are being supported by Lu Williams, an Essex-based artist who works in many formats including zines, sculpture and video. Lu is leading on the engagement work for the Cornhill commission, including helping with creative research and getting the local community involved.

Lu Williams is carrying out research and public engagement for the Cornhill project.

As part of this engagement process, an online public consultation has launched to help draw out the stories and memories connected to Cornhill; gathering local people’s thoughts and feelings about the areas’ heritage and future. Lu will also be running a series of workshops throughout July to talk with local people who use and value the space – including Chelmsford Market traders – and find out what they would like to see from this new installation.

The first workshop is taking place from 10am until 2pm in Cornhill this Friday 3 July. Pop by to share your thoughts on what Cornhill means to Chelmsford. Feedback gathered through the workshops and public consultation will be central to the designs.

Artists given open brief to create community inspired designs

Unusually for a local authority, Chelmsford City Council’s brief for the commissions was very open, specifying only the locations and the need to engage locally, draw out a sense of place, be safe and require minimal maintenance. The artist for the Cornhill piece will be looking at a piece that should be vibrant and colourful, include reflection and movement, with potential illumination. The Meadows Retail brief expresses a particular interest in the ‘verticality’ of the stairtower, the existing windows and potential lightworks.

Councillor Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford said:

“

"Public art has a unique ability to bring people together in the spaces we share every day. Just as our parks, waterways and green spaces help connect us with nature and with one another, artwork in the "Public Realm" can spark conversations and strengthen our sense of belonging.

“By drawing inspiration from local voices and the rich history woven through the fabric of Chelmsford, these commissions will help the heart of our city feel even more welcoming, distinctive and connected.”

Cllr Rose Moore, Cabinet Member for a Greener Chelmsford

The chosen concepts will be announced later this year, with work beginning at the Cornhill location once the Christmas lights come down in early 2027. Keep up-to-date with the project by signing up to the City Life mailing list, and if you’re a local creative, join Ignite to hear about more opportunities to get involved in Chelmsford culture.