A controversial sculpture has been recognised for its contribution to the town’s landscape.

The Question? artwork, which was unveiled outside the UCS Waterfront Building in November 2011, has been presented with an award by The Ipswich Society for “making a notable contribution to the townscape.”

The black and white sculpture proved to be a divisive subject when it was first proposed – with many people objecting to its �200,000 price tag.

Now, the marble and granite piece, which was intended to link the university’s northern and southern sites, has become a familiar sight to anyone visiting the Waterfront.

The two-part work, created by internationally-acclaimed artists Langlands & Bell, is linked to an LED screen on top of the town’s iconic chimney tower at the Campus North site.

It was financed by the university and grants of �75,000 from Arts Council England and �25,000 from Ipswich Borough Council.

Dr Chrissie Harrington, head of the School of Arts and Humanities, led the initiative.

She said: “It is fantastic that our Question? has been recognised in this way.

“We are rewarded by the number of different people who engage with the artwork on a daily basis and really enjoy it.

“The Question? is now embedded in the landscape and in our lives.”

The Ipswich Society presented the annual award for projects that have made a notable contribution to the townscape during a ceremony at St Peter’s Church on Wednesday.