Public square redesign at Land North Of Railway And East Of Henley Road, Ipswich

What was proposed

The fountain would be removed and replaced with movable seating, planters, resurfacing, lighting changes and space for events.

“Description of the Proposal 4.1 This Planning application is for ‘Proposed changes to the public realm of Culver Square. The proposal will replace the existing fountain with a new suitable and attractive street furniture. This will allow the square to be used for a wider range of public activities.”

“The proposals involve the removal of the existing fountain and its replacement with a flexible arrangement of street furniture, including seating and planters, providing a comparable level of public seating. The new furniture can be rearranged to accommodate events and seasonal activities within the square.”

Officer report

The site and existing fountain

Culver Square is a pedestrianised shopping area in a conservation area, and its fountain has not operated since 2011 because of safety and maintenance problems.

“Site Description and Context 3.1 Culver Square is a pedestrianised shopping area on the south side of Colchester City Centre that connects Sir Isaacs Walk and Culver St West. The application site is situated within the boundaries of Colchester’s designated Conservation Area 1 and is adjacent to a number of nationally and locally listed buildings.”

“The fountain was installed as part of the original square design and incorporates a bronze sculpture by local artist Tim Holding (1940–2018), a prominent member of the Colchester Art Society. Although intended as a working water feature, it experienced longstanding safety and maintenance issues and was decommissioned in 2011 due to its high water usage, after which it was planted.”

Officer report

Earlier temporary works

Earlier approvals covered temporary artwork, seasonal decorations over the former fountain and planters attached to walls.

“Relevant Planning History 6.1 230526 Temporary installation of artwork within Culver Square shopping centre- install acrylic bees and butterflies suspended from catenary wire attached to the existing installed eyebolts. Approve Conditional 27/04/2023”

“210294 and 211768 Temporary painted marine-ply 'Castle' decoration placed over existing former fountain from third week of November 2020 until second week of January 2021 and from third week of November 2021 until second week of January 2022. Installation to be repeated in 2022 covering the same period. Approve Conditional 06/03/2020 and 26/08/2021”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme a positive public-realm enhancement that maintained seating, improved flexibility and accessibility, relocated the sculpture and avoided heritage harm.

“Whilst it is acknowledged that the removal of the fountain and associated artwork will result in the loss of features that are valued by some members of the public, these features are not designated heritage assets and the proposal would not result in harm to the significance of the Conservation Area. The artwork will be retained and relocated to an accessible public location.”

“Whilst the proposed changes to Culver Square would be readily felt, the development is considered to represent a positive enhancement to the public realm. The existing fountain has not operated for a considerable period and its replacement with high-quality seating, planting and flexible civic space would better support the square's function as a focal point for public activity.”

Officer report

Specialist views

The archaeology adviser and heritage officer raised no objection, while environmental protection sought construction-hour controls that officers considered unnecessary.

“Heritage Officer: No Objection (see main body of the report)”

“Environmental Protection: No objection subject to conditions to control the hours of work during demolition/construction.”

Officer report

Public views

Four objections concerned seating, greenery, cost and loss of artwork, while four supporters welcomed improved seating, visitors and community events.

“Loss of seating • Waste of money should be used on cutting back tree’s from the cycle lanes and improving the atmosphere in the square. • Not enough greenery added, such as rain gardens, trees etc. • Loss of artwork as a whole, should be preserved including pillars base structure and canopy. • Will destroy a unique piece of Colchester art.”

“Will add value and attract visitors to the City • Will allow use as a flexible space for community events and public engagements. • Enhanced Seating provision within the square. • Improvement over existing fountain. • Removal of fountain with limited heritage impact outweighed by significant wider public benefit from creation of a more functional and flexible public space.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector opposed removing the fountain, the applicant supported greater flexibility, and a visiting councillor urged approval for economic and cultural reasons.

Members’ discussion

Members debated the fountain’s heritage, seating, footfall, antisocial behaviour, paving, storage and whether the sculpture could remain with its dome and pillars.

“As the Shadow Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth and Transformation, Councillor Young supported relocating the high-quality "Sea Holly" sculpture to the beautiful Minories Garden, where it could be appreciated up close with an interpretation board and alongside existing heritage monuments like the Arnhem statue.”

“The configuration of the square, with the Fountain in the centre, prevented many types of community activities. The proposed changes would open it up for public events and potentially increase visitors, although some Members expressed concern that this could potentially impact footfall to shops. Concern was expressed that seating was being lost, when we should be looking to increase it.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application by eight votes to one, with two abstentions, adding sculpture-display and paving conditions and an informative about the associated structure.

“In line with the Committee’s discussion, a proposal to accept the application as per the recommendation was seconded, subject to: • A condition requiring timescale/programme for display of the sculpture • Additional condition that details of paving materials should be submitted for approval • Informative to encourage that the sculpture is relocated along with the associated dome and pillars.”

Minutes