OUTRAGED residents have hit out at plans to install a colourful mural on a graveyard wall at a Grade I listed church.

Lion Walk Shopping Centre has applied for planning permission to install the mural on the external side of a wall at Holy Trinity Church, in Trinity Street, Colchester, facing out on to the shopping centre.

The mural, designed by Mersea artist Tom Knight, is a co-funded project by Our Colchester BID’s Recovery Fund and the shopping centre.

It will make reference to the historical significance of the church, including those buried in the graveyard, as well as reference Colchester’s more recent history.

However, concerned Colcestrians have hit out at the designs with 42 objections submitted online.

Read more:

Colchester Civic Society is amongst those to have objected. It said: “Our particular concern is with the design of the mural itself.

“It touches only marginally on the history of the area, ignores much including the military and is quite inaccurate to include Humpty Dumpy as any part of the town’s history. It does little to inform the visitor except at the most trivial level.”

The group added: “It is probably a suitable design for a quite different part of Lion Walk other than the wall of this Grade I listed treasure.”

Holy Trinity Church is the only surviving Saxon building in Colchester town centre, with the tower dating from around the year 1050.

Gazette:

One resident said: “This proposal is hugely out of keeping with the aesthetic draw of Trinity Street’s independent shopping venues.

“We need to preserve some of the character of the town rather than race to the lowest common denominator if we are to keep any sense of the town centre other than drinking venues. Please do not allow this to go ahead.”

Ward councillor Mark Goacher has called in the application to the planning committee. He said he had “significant concerns” on the design and its impact on the nearby church.

Six letters of support have been received. Colchester Council will decide on plans.

Martin Leatherdale, Lion Walk centre manager, said: “It’s important to add context to the application and the rationale behind it.

"The wall in question faces into Lion Walk shopping centre and is approximately 100 years old, it becomes grade I listed by default as it forms part of the church demise – whilst a very important part of the church, and very precious to the town, it is not itself a 1000 year old Saxon wall – albeit, as an intrinsic part of the church, we agree it should be treated as such.

"At present it is hand painted with various different shades of red commercial masonry paint giving it a dull, drab and unloved appearance.

"This project is just to temporarily add some vibrancy and life to an area that at the moment feels tired.

"When reviewing new experiences in the shopping centre we take on board the suggestions of customers and businesses, and this was one of the ideas.

"We have then taken feedback from hundreds of people, including local businesses and Community 360, who were overwhelmingly in support of the idea – especially given the support they need following the pandemic. 

"We have also consulted with Colchester Borough Council, The Church of England in Essex and East England - Diocese of Chelmsford, and have not received any legal or moral objections from these organisations. 

"After receiving over 20 fantastic proposals from artists we shortlisted 3 local artists, Tom Knight’s illustration was chosen due to the educational brilliance, connection with families, children and the community – something to very much compliment the church and community aspirations.

"It is a thought provoking and educational piece bringing in to play history and culture such as William Gilbert, Roman Theatre, Jumbo Water Tower and Colchester Castle Colchester, through to modern day institutions such as Colchester United Football Club, Essex University, Colchester Zoo, musical influence.

"There is every opportunity to host a community consultation andupdate the piece based on local feedback also with proud references to Colchester Garrison and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

"We are certainly not seeking to permanently change or harm one of our most precious treasures – just simply create some happiness for our community to enjoy.

"Additionally, we would like to help uplift the church yard, adding biodiversity, and light up this beautiful church at night with high level LED lighting shining down from Lion Walk.

"In Colchester we already see a church repurposed as an Arts Centre, in other vibrant and historic towns we see heritage listed churches repurposed as restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues.

"We are not looking to change anything, just add some great temporary art work which has no structural implications, to a great area in a great town, to spark some great conversations."