Issued by Essex County Council
More than 100 young people from across Harwich and Dovercourt put their creativity to the test this summer by entering a competition to design a new coat of arms for the town. The community is now being invited to help choose the winner.
The winning design will be transformed into a permanent piece of public art, proudly displayed on the utility box outside Harwich Library.
The competition forms part of ongoing investment in the area. Following the major refurbishment of Harwich Library last year and wider regeneration work taking place across Harwich and Dovercourt.
The artwork will add local identity to the area, celebrating its rich heritage and community spirit.
Delivered in partnership by Essex County Council and Tendring District Council, the competition attracted an impressive range of entries.
Councillors, including representatives from Essex County Council, Tendring District Council and the Town Mayor, carefully reviewed the submissions before selecting five finalists for the public vote.
Residents and visitors are now being encouraged to have their say and help choose the final design they would most like to see become part of the town's landscape.
Voting opens in early October and closes on 9 November. A ballot box will be located inside Harwich Library, where members of the public can view the shortlisted entries and cast their vote.
The winning design will be professionally developed and recreated by a commissioned artist before being installed outside the library.
Essex County Council is currently seeking a freelance artist to bring the chosen design to life. Artists interested in the commission can request further details by emailing ECCHarwichArt@essex.gov.uk. Applications close on 14 October.
The final artwork will be unveiled at a special community celebration later this year. All shortlisted entrants will receive a prize in recognition of their achievement.
Councillor Jeff Bray Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage, said: "Working alongside our partners at Tendring District Council, we have been supporting regeneration and improvement projects across Harwich and Dovercourt. This competition has been a fantastic way to involve young people in shaping the future look of their town while celebrating everything that makes Harwich special.
"Choosing just five finalists was incredibly difficult, and now we'd love the community to get involved.”
Councillor Ivan Henderson, Tendring District Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: "It was wonderful to see so many young people take part and share what Harwich means to them through their artwork.
"This project is about more than creating a piece of art. It's about celebrating local pride and giving the community a chance to leave its mark. I encourage everyone to get involved and vote for their favourite design."
Mayor of Harwich, Councillor Sean Fay, said: "It was a real pleasure to look through the entries and see the many different ways our heritage, landmarks and community spirit were reflected in the designs. The talent and enthusiasm on display were remarkable."
"I hope residents will enjoy viewing the shortlisted entries and taking part in the vote. This is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and choose an artwork that reflects the pride we all feel in Harwich."
