THE wraps are set to soon come off Winchester's newest piece of public art.

Work is nearing completion on the coronation sculpture being erected near the Law Courts to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

The new £40,000 sculpture, set to transform the terrace below the Great Hall, features three large carved stones as well as a mosaic base.

This week contractors were carefully piecing together the mosaic depicting symbols and images from the Castle, the Cathedral and Hampshire's rich natural resources, particularly its rivers and coastline.

The large blocks are currently swathed in black sheeting before their unveiling some time next month.

New seating and lighting will provide a place for people to rest. It will enable the area to be given a new lease of life and to be used in the manner it was originally intended, for displays and exhibitions.

Hampshire-based sculptor Rachel Fenner won the commission to design the sculpture for Hampshire County Council in a competition. The judges were advised by Hampshire Sculpture Trust before making their final selection.

Commenting on the sculpture and improvement work council leader Ken Thornber, pictured left, said: "The historic city of Winchester draws thousands of visitors each year with many visiting Winchester Castle and the Great Hall, which was once the home of past monarchs. This sculpture will not only commemorate the Coronation of our Queen, but will add to the city's visitor attractions and will be something that local people can enjoy."