As the site for the sculpture is the former Shippam's Paste factory, a food motif was chosen for the work. The olive branch symbolises the connection to the Romans who first settled here - chester means "settlement near a fort".

The oyster shell refers to the oyster beds in the harbour which have been an important part of local work and diet for millennia. The geometric design of the mosaic panel was inspired by a relic from Fishbourne Roman Palace. Bronze insets designed by local children depict the theme Harbour Life. Within the base are cast bronze artefacts from the industries and history of the area including farming, needle-making, tailors and blacksmiths.