'The Nest' Sculpture Unveiled on Former Norwich City Football Ground site

A new commercially-commissioned sculpture by a NUCA BA Fine Art student has been unveiled on the former Norwich City Football Ground, known locally as 'The Nest'.

Hopkins Homes, who have developed the site on Rosary Road, commissioned Norwich University College of the Arts (NUCA) to create the sculpture. Run as a project through the University College's commercial department ideas factory@NUCA, students in Fine Art were given the opportunity to submit a proposal to create a lasting reminder of the historical background of the site while considering its future use. 'The Nest' by student Liz Mannion was selected by a panel which included Hopkins Homes and Norwich City Football Club.

The new exciting addition to the City's sculptural landscape stands 5m high with a 1.5m wide base. It is constructed of stainless steel and specialist concrete and NUCA worked closely with skilled craftsmen at local specialist architectural metalwork FW Hall, better known for working with yacht designers and builders, to create the vertical steel components and football shaped feature of the sculpture. These vertical steel components have been positioned to frame the view of the Cathedral. The textured surface of the base portrays the 'nest' element and the wooden seat is a reminder of the old wooden stadium.

NUCA Principal, Professor John Last, commented: "NUCA is very appreciative of the opportunity that Hopkins Homes has given students to undertake this sculpture commission. This kind of practical commercial experience is a vital part of degree courses here at NUCA and gives students the chance to work with local businesses on real projects. I am really proud of the standard of all the students' submissions and especially Liz's final work which represents the historical and geographical nature of the site, whilst simultaneously reflecting the contemporary tone of the new buildings and the current local sporting optimism."

James Hopkins, Executive Chairman of Hopkins Homes said: "The standard was incredibly high and all the finalists would have been worthy winners and have made an exciting contribution to the City's public art.

NUCA Principal Professor John Last, student Liz Mannion and Simon Bryan from Hopkins Homes