Chelmsford City Council has commissioned two permanent public artworks designed to bring colour, character and creativity to prominent locations in the city centre.
The new installations will be created for Cornhill, beside Chelmsford Market, and the stair tower of Meadows Retail Car Park. Both projects will be shaped by the history, identity and experiences of the local community.
Essex-based artist Ben Coode-Adams and international creative partnership Public Art Works were selected following a nationally advertised open call and interview process, promoted locally by Ignite Chelmsford.
The selection and management of the artists is being supported by arts specialist Kath Wood.
Funding for the two long-term artworks comes from developer contributions collected specifically to support public art in Chelmsford.
Overhead artwork planned for Cornhill
The first commission will be installed above Cornhill, the pedestrianised route connecting Chelmsford Market with Market Square.
Although the design is still at an early stage, the final artwork could be suspended between the buildings on either side of the street or project outward from one of them.
The Cornhill installation will be designed by Public Art Works, a collaboration between artist Aprille McShane and architect Tony Broomhead.
With more than 25 years of combined experience, the partnership creates permanent and temporary artworks for public spaces across the UK and internationally.
Aprille McShane and Tony Broomhead 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.”
Major artwork for Meadows Retail Car Park
A second installation will transform the stair tower of Meadows Retail Car Park.
The prominent five-storey yellow-brick building can be seen from much of the southern end of Chelmsford city centre. It stands close to Springfield Basin and is visible to people entering the city by foot, bicycle or car via High Bridge Road.
This artwork will be created by Ben Coode-Adams, an award-winning Essex sculptor, painter and farmer.
His publicly commissioned work can already be found in locations across the UK, including Stockport, Melton Mowbray, London and Colchester.
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.”
Local people invited to help shape the Cornhill artwork
Community involvement will play an important part in the development of the Cornhill commission.
Essex-based artist Lu Williams is supporting Public Art Works by leading the project’s community engagement and creative research.
Residents, visitors, businesses and Chelmsford Market traders are being encouraged to share their memories, experiences and ideas about Cornhill through workshops and an online consultation.
The feedback will help the artists understand what the area means to local people and what they would like the new installation to represent.
Ideas gathered through the consultation process will be central to the final design.
Artists given freedom to develop original ideas
Chelmsford City Council has given both artists an intentionally open brief, allowing them to respond creatively to each location.
The main requirements are for the artworks to reflect a sense of place, involve the local community, remain safe and require minimal ongoing maintenance.
The Cornhill artwork is expected to be vibrant and colourful, with the potential to include movement, reflective materials and lighting.
For the Meadows Retail Car Park installation, the brief encourages the artist to explore the height of the stair tower, its existing windows and opportunities to incorporate illuminated elements.
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.”
When will the new Chelmsford artworks be installed?
The selected concepts are expected to be announced later in 2026.
Work at the Cornhill location is due to begin after the city centre Christmas lights are removed in early 2027.
Residents can follow the progress of the project through Chelmsford City Council’s City Life updates. Local artists and creative organisations can also join Ignite Chelmsford to hear about future cultural opportunities across the city.