FINAL touches are being made to the three major pieces of art commissioned for WestQuay.

Tricky manoeuvres are under way to install a magnificent bronze sculpture in the £295 million shopping centre.

The impressive piece, called In The Swim, has been designed by Southampton Institute senior associate lecturer in sculpture Jon Buck.

From his local knowledge of Southampton, he has focused on the theme of water and created a sculpture depicting two swimmers - a male figure followed by a female.

It will be sited between two stainless steel columns that will produce eye-catching reflections from the piece.

The second work of art is now complete and visitors to the Food Terrace will view Laura Johnson's stunning glass creations suspended from the ceiling.

Laura, an architectural glass designer, based the piece on wave formation and the movement of shoals of fish.

Today, the final sculpture, created by former Portsmouth College of Art student Martin Richman, will be completed.

His design is a unique light installation running through the lift shaft that serves each storey within the centre.

WestQuay spokeswoman Vanessa Forster said: "The region can be proud of its tremendous artistic talent and we are thrilled to be able to promote local artists at WestQuay.

"Southampton City Council and Hammerson have commissioned three intriguing pieces of art from renowned artists which we are sure will only serve to increase visitors' enjoyment of the region's premier shopping destination," she said.

High street communications specialist The Link will open at Unit Four in the WestQuay Shopping Centre on Thursday, creating a total of five new jobs for the city.

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