Plans to replace the current artwork on the side of Chester's Forum Building have been approved.

Proposals were submitted in July to replace 'How to Work Better', a project created in 2023 as part of a major visual arts event, Chester Contemporary, with a mural raising awareness of men's mental health.

Following the first round of consultations, the applicant submitted a revised design in August.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has now approved the new design, which includes an amendment to the artwork's background.

The proposed text-based artwork, entitled 'Breaking the Stigma', has been created by artist Mark Titchner and aims to "encourage conversations and highlight available support services"

Accompanying information will be displayed nearby, explaining the background and context of the artwork and including a QR code linking directly to information about different services and groups offering crisis support.

The artwork will replace 'How to Work Better', which dates back to 1991. Artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss' 10-point list was taken from a sign the artists saw in a ceramic factory in Thailand, designed to improve worker morale and productivity.

When it was unveiled in Chester's Exchange Square, it was the first time the ground-breaking piece was shown at full scale in the UK, only ever having been previously shown in Zurich, Mexico City, New York (Guggenheim) and Okayama, Japan.

Titchner is an artist experienced in creating large-scale artworks for the public realm and was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2006. His work explores the relationship between mental health and visual art.

The artist revealed that the words in the new artwork were drawn directly from conversations about care and connection that he had during workshops with local men in Northwich and Ellesmere Port.

The proposed background, described as "interwoven with organic motifs and foliage", is intended to "symbolise growth and support", according to planning documents.

It follows a report published earlier this year which found suicide rates had risen across Cheshire West and Chester and were higher than the national average. The findings also outlined how men constitute more than three-quarters of all suicides in the borough.

Planning documents said Chester focus groups found the artwork to be a powerful reflection of experiences and conversations, with one commenting: "Someone may read and say that's what I need".

Three representations were received objecting to the original proposal. Concerns included the use of uppercase lettering, with one representation suggesting mixed upper and lower-case text may improve readability.

Others raised concerns about the absence of signposting to support services and the perceived visual impact of the proposal, particularly its scale, colour palette, typography and appearance.

Local business 'That Beer Place' said while fully supporting initiatives that encourage better mental health awareness, they did not believe the artwork achieved its aims of raising awareness of men's mental health, encouraging conversations and prompting men to seek support.

"To somebody passing through Exchange Square, the artwork makes no reference to men, mental health, wellbeing, suicide prevention or support services," the objection added.

"Without having first read the accompanying press release, the message could equally be interpreted as relating to loneliness, bereavement, friendship or general human connection."

They also referred to the lack of signposting or "practical call to action", therefore missing an "opportunity to translate awareness into meaningful action".

Two representations in support of the proposal were received, citing the need to reduce the stigma of mental health. Chester Cathedral's safeguarding officer offered support for the plan, citing such art installations as "reducing stigma".

They said: "We need to improve the empathy of others who turn away, instead of seeing the person and not just a diagnosis - this is reducing stigma."

Approving the design, the officer report said the artwork would provide a focal point within the public realm and mitigate the visual impact of an otherwise plain elevation.

It said: "It is considered that the proposed artwork would make a positive contribution to the character of the area by providing an engaging and locally distinctive feature within a prominent public space.

"The proposal would assist in creating an attractive and stimulating environment for residents, workers, visitors and investors, whilst fostering a sense of local identity and community pride.

"Through its design and accompanying information relating to support services, the artwork would also promote social awareness, community engagement and wellbeing."