PLANS for the Shire Hall and the pedestrianisation of the area around it represent a once-in-a-generation chance to at last honour the memory of Marconi by placing his statue where citizens and visitors can see it.
He was the man who brought prosperity to Chelmsford and began the evolution of what we now take for granted in its widest sense today, broadcasting and communications.
Exactly 100 years ago he opened the world's first true wireless component manufacturing facility in New Street and at one time provided a living for 8,000 people.
Chelmsford and the world owe a great debt to Marconi and his wireless invention.
But it is now 12 years since I suggested creating a monument for the Millennium and was delighted with the response that the city should have a true memorial to its Marconi past.
But disappointment soon followed when the magnificent £50,000 result was tucked away in a corner of the Essex Record Office, then later moved to a little-frequented spot behind the bus station where it remains.
Such a glorious past needs to be celebrated against our technological aspirations for the future of this city. I am therefore pleading with our city and county fathers to place the statue in the proximity of the Shire Hall at the heart of the city's Heritage Triangle.
The statue's stance is such that he can be perfectly signposting the route to his New Street factory ,where the famous Dame Nellie Melba 1920 broadcast was transmitted and so many Chelmsford residents prospered. It is really insulting to one of the world's greatest inventors and all who worked with and for him to be hidden away almost out of sight.
Come on Chelmsford – appreciate the heritage our city has and make sure that this brilliant new opportunity of recognising Guglielmo Marconi by re-erecting his statue in front of Shire Hall is not lost.
Illuminated signs like the brilliant ones designed by St Albans citizens can indicate where the factory and other heritage aspects of our unique city are.
And, please, when the new city gateway signs are installed at the boundaries to the area please ensure they read 'Chelmsford: Birthplace of Wireless'.
Peter Turrall MBE
Chairman of the Marconi Veterans Association and former publicity director of Marconi communications and a lifelong resident of the city.
