Skip to content

Norwich Hay Hill work to remove brain sculpture begins

News imagePaul Moseley/BBC Brain statue, NorwichPaul Moseley/BBC
Detractors have said the brain is "weird" and cannot be used for anything

A city centre square which is losing its "brain sculpture" as part of a revamp has been fenced off to pedestrians as work gets under way.

Hay Hill in Norwich features a 1904 statue of Sir Thomas Browne, a giant brain and blocks of marble in homage to the 17th Century physician.

Planting and seating will replace the sculptures which were added in 2007.

The city council said it would create an "improved, vibrant and more accessible" space by January.

A water feature is included in the new design, with the Sir Thomas statue to return in a more prominent position.

News imageNorwich City Council Artist's impression of the new-look Hay Hill in Norwich.Norwich City Council
The design is intended to make the city centre area a more accessible space

The more recent sculptures have proved controversial, with the Norwich Society among those calling for their removal.

They are due to be found a new home within the city centre, the council added.

Businesses around the square will be open as usual during the works.

News imagepresentational grey line

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk