17 MARCH 2025
Have you been enjoying the underpass artworks in Stevenage?
We are asking for your views on the artworks, so please do complete this survey to tell us what you think: https://forms.office.com/e/z9jKcSFETM.
As part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, and funded by the Stevenage Development Board through Towns Fund, underpasses have been transformed throughout the town. Seven designs have been completed, and there is more to come!
4 MARCH 2025
The Guinness Partnership, one of England’s largest housing associations, held an event to celebrate completion of work on the first phase of their development at the former Matalan site in Danesgate, Stevenage.
The event was attended by The Guinness Partnership’s Group Chief Executive Catriona Simons who was joined by the House of Lords Minister for Housing and Local Government, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Kevin Bonavia MP and the Mayor of Stevenage, Cllr Jim Brown.
They were also joined by representatives from Stevenage Borough Council including Council Leader, Cllr Richard Henry and the Cabinet Member for Housing, Cllr Jackie Hollywell. Along with members of Guinness’s senior development team, including Group Director of Development & Commercial Services, Kevin Williams, Lovell Regional Managing Director, Lorraine Casey and representatives from Stevenage Development Board and global consultancy, Turner & Townsend.
The appointed contractors, Lovell Partnerships, have now completed work on the first phase of construction at the prominent town centre site. Planning permission was granted in 2021 by Stevenage Borough Council, for the development of a new high quality residential community designed by award-winning architects Maccreanor Lavington.
The delivery of the new development will take place in phases. The now completed first phase, across two blocks located on the eastern part of the site, consists of 143 one and two-bedroomed apartments for social rent, providing a new and very valuable source of affordable homes located in the heart of Stevenage. It will also include one of the internal landscaped gardens serving the development.
Catriona Simons, Group Chief Executive at The Guinness Partnership said: “We are pleased to see the completion of this important residential-led regeneration project which is very much part of the Borough Council’s ambitions for a vibrant and revitalised town centre. We are grateful for the support and positive approach from Stevenage Borough Council since we first acquired the site, as well as Homes England who have provided grant funding for the project: thank you to all our partners for making these homes a reality in a challenging economic climate.”
Kevin Bonavia MP said: “I’d like to thank the Guinness Partnership, Lovell Partnership and Stevenage Borough Council for their combined efforts to complete Phase 1 of the ‘Matalan site’ development – delivering an initial 143 homes for social rent in the heart of our town centre. The new social rent homes and commercial space will play a key part in the overall town centre regeneration, which is now accelerating post-covid. The homes will help get local people off waiting lists or out of the crowded rental market into good quality housing. Let’s keep matching the aspirations of Stevenage people and build the housing needed now and in the future.”
Cllr Jackie Hollywell, Cabinet Member for Housing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “This is a fantastic development for Stevenage. The delivery of this first phase provides homes to be offered as affordable tenures, including social rent right in the heart of the town. We are providing for local people, and we look forward to the first tenants moving in. My thanks go to all the partners who have helped to deliver this development.”
Lorraine Casey, Regional Managing Director at Lovell said: “We are proud to have built a high-quality development delivering much needed affordable homes for local people. The new apartments are highly sustainable with features including air source heat pumps and energy efficient fabric, giving a high thermal performance resulting in lower bills for the new residents. We hope the new community enjoy living here for many years to come.”
Additional funding for the first phase of 143 homes was received from Homes England. The overall plans involve the construction of 526 one and two-bedroomed apartments along with 779 sq. m of flexible commercial space located at street level which aims to create active street frontages.
20 FEBRUARY 2025
Works to expand the premises of flexible office space provider Co-Space in Stevenage Town Centre have been completed.
In 2021, the council converted under-used commercial space into flexible office space for a range of businesses, from single-person start-ups, to established financial services providers. The facility, managed by Co-Space, brought over 300 jobs into the town centre.
Following huge success, the space has now expanded into the neighbouring Town Square Chambers that preside over Event Island. Funded through government’s Towns Fund using funding secured by The Stevenage Development Board, the facility has delivered an additional 900sqm of quality office space to the town centre – equivalent to 150 desks. This encourages new business and associated footfall and spend to the town, whilst refurbishing an ageing building with a 24-hour operator.
Cllr Lloyd Briscoe, Cabinet Member for Economy, Skills and Transport, comments: “Stevenage Town Centre is undergoing a transformation, introducing a greater mix of uses to benefit both residents and businesses. This includes increasing commercial space, including flexible options to allow businesses to flourish within the town. We are delighted that Co-Space, offering desks and meeting spaces in a smart and spacious interior, have chosen to expand their premises here. This delivers local benefits such as an increase in spend within the town. As Stevenage continues to evolve, we welcome this expansion and thank all of our partners who have helped to deliver this”.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, adds: “The expansion of the Co-Space facility in Stevenage is clear proof that our plans for regeneration of the town are having a positive impact. Refreshing 1950’s buildings is highly sustainable, truly cost effective given the benefit derived and supports the provision of shared office space that is required in the modern age.
“Co-Space has demonstrated a distinctive style for this service and the council has moved quickly and efficiently in the direction of market demand. This extension is yet another example of our commitment to regeneration and supporting residents and businesses”.
Operator Co-Space run offices in Reading, Milton Keynes and Stevenage, with a St Albans office opening soon.
William Stokes, CEO and Co-Founder of Co-Space, adds: “We’re excited to work in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council and ASHE once again to expand our current Co-Space offering, and support the facilitating of 200 new job roles right in the heart of Stevenage. We’re grateful for everyone’s hard work pulling this project together and ensuring we’re able to support local businesses to grow and thrive.”
Delivered by contractor Ashe Group and as part of social value, throughout the construction two previously out of work individuals have been employed and donations made to local charities.
Andrew Morris, Business Development Director at Ashe Group, comments: “Ashe is delighted to have been asked back to undertake the next phase of refurbishment at the Co-Space facility in Stevenage. Being a local contractor, our focus has been on employing local people through our supply chain partners, ensuring that money generated by the construction project is recycled into the local economy.
“It has also allowed us to take on unemployed local people, give them training and prepare them for a future in construction. We have visited local schools and supported local charities as part of our social value commitments for this scheme.
“When complete the project will continue to support the local community in providing an outstanding working environment that will allow businesses to thrive.
“We are incredibly proud assisting in the regeneration of the heart of Stevenage and look forward to future opportunities to continue the good work being undertaken by all partners.”
WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2025
In late 2024 Stevenage Borough Council shared initial designs to seek feedback for a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre in the town. This new facility will bring together sports, leisure and swimming facilities under one roof, whereas they are currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.
The council would like to thank everyone who shared their views or came to see the project team at in-person sessions. Having reviewed the feedback, we are asking local communities, residents and businesses to share their views again on updated designs.
The health and wellbeing of Stevenage residents is a key priority for the council and this facility is designed to allow the community to access and enjoy sports and leisure activities in a purpose-built building.
The proposals are available to view online via the Stevenage Even Better website (Sports & Leisure Centre – Stevenage Even Better : Stevenage Even Better) and Stevenage Borough Council website (New Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage) including a feedback form where you can leave your feedback. Hard copies of these are also available to complete at Stevenage Swimming Centre and Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, in the gym reception.
If you would like to speak to a member of the project team, a series of drop-in sessions are taking place where you can view the designs and discuss the proposals:
The closing date for sharing your comments is Sunday 9 March at 5pm.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “I would like to thank everyone who shared their feedback on the initial designs, which has been largely positive. Your views have been heard and we are working hard to progress a facility that allows the vast majority of people to participate in sports, leisure and wellbeing activities. Whilst we will accommodate as much as we can, this is designed to be a general facility and we will not be able to include all specialist sports. There are other facilities in the town for these and we will work with local clubs if they wish to transfer elsewhere. I encourage our residents and businesses to engage with the next set of designs as we continue to work together on this exciting new offer for the town”.
The project will be partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented:
“The proposed new Stevenage Sports & Leisure Centre will be delivered using funds from the Stevenage Development Boards successful application to the Governments Town Fund. We are delighted to be bringing this spectacular project to fruition with the great support of Stevenage Borough Council.
“We have been absolutely delighted by the overwhelming interest of the public in the latest consultation and the constructive views which have been expressed by everyone.
“The proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre will be a modern, state of the art facility with activities including swimming, studios, gym, flexible sports and leisure space. The public response has so far been very supportive and we have also been pleased to see the community engage with the proposals.
“The Stevenage Development Board and the council is committed to providing only the best sports and leisure facilities for the people of the town and we are ensuring that it will be a facility that everyone can use and be proud of”.
Morgan Sindall Construction, experts in building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Hub whilst architect FaulknerBrowns are designing the facility. The upgraded services will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town.
Further information can be found on the Stevenage Even Better website: stevenage-even-better.com/.
Local artist Donna Reeves, who has been commissioned to create a new, permanent piece of public artwork for the entrance of the Stevenage Bus Interchange, is asking the local community to continue to share their memories for inclusion within a mosaic sculpture.
Over the last few months, Donna has been working with Junction 7 Creatives (J7C) to collate stories from the communities in Stevenage. Memories shared, which include what brought people to Stevenage and their favourite things about the town, are now being used to create mosaic images to cover the sculpture.
Donna is giving local people the opportunity to have a keepsake or trinket embedded in the artwork. Items measuring 5x5cm, are weatherproof, made of a lasting material and importantly linked to a story in Stevenage, can be donated to be either embedded or imprinted into the artwork.
Those who wish to share their stories or donate an item should visit Junction 7 Creatives on the Town Square on Saturday 14 December between 11am and 4pm.
Donna Reeves comments: “Community art has to be inclusive for it to truly belong to the people of the area. To help achieve this for the community of Stevenage we want to collect a wide range of their personal stories and keepsakes that we can incorporate into the sculpture. For example, my grandpa moved our family from London to Stevenage when he took a position at British Aerospace working on Concorde. I have fond memories of my granny Mabel serving me tea, so one of her teacups will be cut to form part of the decorative mosaic work on the sculpture. We are asking for the community to share a part of themselves because we want this to be built from their memories and experiences. So please come and share your stories with me”.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “Our communities are at the heart of our town, and their stories and experiences are what have shaped Stevenage to become the place it is today. This new piece of artwork is designed to be owned by the people of Stevenage, and we encourage people to share their stories and any keepsakes they are comfortable to so our history can be enjoyed by all.”
The commission forms part of the UK government’s Towns Fund grant to Stevenage, through the Stevenage Development Board. Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “The Stevenage Development Board were provided with a responsibility to assist with the regeneration of Stevenage which includes skills development, facility improvement, safer more pleasant environments, a responsibility for the Towns heritage as the FIRST New Town which includes encouraging our residents to consider what we own and to develop new pieces of art for everyone’s enjoyment. The Bus Interchange is always busy as our residents go about their day to day business and trips and we have a fabulous opportunity to create a wonderful new piece of artwork in this area which in time will become an even busier thoroughfare”.
Donna’s artwork will be a mosaic sculpture directly in front of the entrance to the Stevenage Bus Interchange, bordered by two public thoroughfares running north towards Six Hills Way and east towards the Railway Station – a highly prominent location where it will be seen and experienced by hundreds of people every day as part of their journeys through the town.
You can find out more about Donna on her website: www.andbydonnareeves.com.
The Stevenage Bus Interchange commission is intended as a pilot for a wider series of public art commissions to follow.
THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER 2024
In late 2023 Stevenage Borough Council asked the public to share their views on what they would like from a proposed new Sports & Leisure Centre for the town. This will bring together sports, leisure and swimming facilities under one roof, whereas they are currently provided at Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre, and Stevenage Swimming Centre.
The feedback we received from this survey has helped us to shape the new facility for the town and we have been working with Morgan Sindall and FaulknerBrowns Architects on the designs for the new building. Today we are pleased to share the initial designs for the building and the internal facilities, and we are asking local communities, residents and businesses to give their feedback as the designs take shape.
The proposals are available to view online via https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/have-your-say/proposed-new-sports-leisure-centre-have-your-say, or https://stevenage-even-better.com/sports-leisure-centre/, where there is also a feedback form to leave your views. A series of drop-in sessions will also be taking place, with members of the project team available to discuss the proposals:
The closing date to share your views is Friday 6 December at 5pm.
The facility will encompass swimming, studios and gym space with flexible sports and leisure facilities, along with a café, soft play and interactive water play area in a modern building that champions sustainability and accessibility.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “A new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage is really exciting. As a council that champions health and wellbeing, we understand the importance of modern, varied facilities that encourage and make sport and leisure accessible and fun for everyone. This is a fantastic opportunity to future proof these services by replacing them with brand new facilities, working with our communities as we look to deliver this new and upgraded offering for the town”.
The project will be partially funded through the Government’s Towns Fund. The Stevenage Development Board secured £37.5m in March 2021, and a proportion of this will be used for this new facility.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “The new Sports and Leisure Centre arrangements are gathering momentum and the preliminary concept and format for this wonderful facility is taking shape wonderfully in what will be an extremely modern facility which we will be truly proud to deliver. Our successful bid for the largest Towns Fund in the country has provided the necessary financial support to create a facility we will all be proud to deliver. Another amazing and successful project by the Stevenage Development Board delivered by Stevenage Borough Council”.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said: “The feedback that we received from our survey last year gave us a real insight into what is important to local people. We have worked hard to take on board those views as we move through this process together, and today we encourage residents, businesses and visitors to have their say on the proposals. This is a new space for Stevenage and by working collaboratively, we’ll have a centre that everyone can enjoy. Please do use this opportunity to give us your feedback”.
Morgan Sindall Construction, experts in building leisure facilities, have been appointed to help deliver the Sports & Leisure Hub whilst architect FaulknerBrowns are designing the facility. The upgraded services will be managed by Everyone Active, a specialist leisure operator who operate the council’s leisure facilities within the town.
Emma Curtis, Area Director at Morgan Sindall Construction, commented: “With a wealth of leisure experience, Morgan Sindall understands the importance these facilities play in not just bringing communities together but in providing a strong health and wellbeing foundation for the next generation.
“The new Sports and Leisure Hub will not only be a new focal point for the town, it will encourage greater levels of participation in sport, delivering improvements to quality of life across Stevenage.
“We are very proud to be working alongside Stevenage Borough Council to deliver its transformational regeneration plans.”
Stephen McIntyre, Partner at FaulknerBrowns Architects, commented: “We are delighted to be working with Morgan Sindall and Stevenage Borough Council to help build the new Sports and Leisure Centre in Stevenage. We look forward to developing a building design using our extensive experience of delivering sports and leisure projects to help create a community facility which actively promotes participation in sport. The new centre will be designed to serve the local community encouraging people to engage in a more active lifestyle enabling them to benefit from improved physical and mental health. The new facility compliments and reinforces the council’s ambitious regeneration plans and we are delighted to be part of the next architectural chapter of Stevenage.”
Allan Prescott, Everyone Active Contract Manager, said: “Everyone Active is looking forward to operating these new facilities that Stevenage Borough Council is providing for the community. Having sports, leisure and swimming all under one roof will create a more streamlined experience for local residents.”
TUESDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2024
Swingate car park in Stevenage Town Centre will be closing from Monday 7 October in order to facilitate the development of the neighbouring Swingate House site.
This closure marks the next stage towards the start of the wider SG1 programme. There is alternative parking provision within the town, including St George’s Way Multi-Storey Car Park (SG1 1EP), that can be used during this closure. Neighbouring properties who use the Swingate Car Park have been contacted separately. The car park is expected to be closed for at least two years.
The car park will reopen when the new development has been built and will have improved lighting and better access. The car park will be used as a site compound during the development, secured by hoarding around the site. The access road (spur road), located between the site and acting as the entrance to the car park, will also be closed and will move slightly as part of the works.
The former Swingate House site forms part of the wider SG1 masterplan for Stevenage Town Centre, which in its entirety will deliver new homes, jobs, office and retail space, alongside new public spaces. This specific site will deliver 261 new homes and a ground floor café unit.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “The SG1 masterplan will be transformative for Stevenage, and is a key part of the next stage of the town centre regeneration story to continue to deliver a thriving town for people to live, work and visit. We understand that there will be a level of frustration that the car park has to close, and we would like to reassure residents and visitors to the town that there is alternative parking provision across a number of other car parks”.
The site is being brought forward by Mace, in partnership with Stevenage Borough Council.
All construction activity will take place within the extended hoarding line and the impact to traffic using the surrounding roads will be minimised.
Information on Stevenage car parks can be found via Find a Car Park (stevenage.gov.uk).
Earlier this year two large scale urban artworks were installed at Market Square as part of a programme of public realm improvements to the area. These artworks introduced colour and vibrancy to the area, welcoming visitors and acting as a focal point for this area of the town.
The council is making changes to Market Square to make the space more attractive, safer for pedestrians who use this route, and offer greater visibility to the surrounding area.
The next stage of works are set to begin on Monday 9 September, and will take place in phases to minimise disruption.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Market Place sees a high level of footfall and is a key space to serve businesses within the town. Although changes have already started with the introduction of two fantastic pieces of artworks, there is more to do in terms of accessibility and providing a warm, welcoming feel to those visiting Stevenage. The works beginning later this month will upgrade the space for pedestrians, introduce colour and greenery, and deliver improvements for those who are less mobile. We apologise for any disruption caused but when the works are finished, travelling through this area will be a safer, more pleasant experience”.
The council is installing a new and improved footpath with a raised pedestrian crossing, improved lighting and introducing greenery, which will improve and brighten the area, creating a safer and visually improved crossing, whilst still providing designated loading bays for businesses who require deliveries and collections. Pedestrian safety is a priority and these works will create easy pedestrian movement and aid those with mobility issues. Two loading bays will be relocated, and there will be no loss of blue badge parking.
The project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.
Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Market Place has always been a key area in the town in terms of its relevance to our community and the impact which it has on local business. For that reason it is vital that we make it both safer and also more attractive for pedestrians and when this work is completed after a carefully phased schedule, we will have an area which the whole town can truly be proud of and which will fit in with the vibrant approach we are seeing across the entire regeneration programme delivered by the Stevenage Development Board and Stevenage Borough Council, which is now gathering pace.”
23 July 2024
Stevenage’s Bus Interchange is set to be transformed by local artist Donna Reeves.
Stevenage Borough Council and Junction 7 Creatives (J7C) will commission Donna Reeves to create a new, permanent piece of public art for the Bus Interchange, a major hub and part of the town’s extensive £1bn regeneration programme. The new artwork will be situated outside the main entrance to the Interchange – a highly prominent location where it will be seen and experienced by hundreds of people every day as part of their journeys through the town.
The council and J7C had over 30 applicants from artists for the commission. Of those applicants, five were shortlisted and gave presentations of their developed proposal to a panel consisting of council officers, J7C, and Councillor Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing.
Donna’s artwork will be a mosaic sculpture directly in front of the entrance to the Stevenage Bus Interchange, bordered by two public thoroughfares running north towards Six Hills Way and east towards the Railway Station. As part of the commission, Donna will carry out workshops and sessions with the community to shape this project with the people of the town.
Donna Reeves comments: “I couldn’t be more excited to have been chosen to create this ambitious piece of community art for the Stevenage Bus Interchange. Stevenage has been a destination in the lives of my family for almost 70 years and has real significance for me and my family. I imagine the station as a crucible of personal stories and experiences that meld and reform, creating a striking structure and beautiful artwork comprised of multiple narratives. This sculpture needs the people of Stevenage to participate and contribute to the design, and I want local communities to feel a sense of ownership and really welcome the artwork”.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “Art is for everyone and we wanted to commission a piece to reflect that. Donna impressed us with her vision, understanding of Stevenage and her commitment to working with our local communities to produce a sculpture that can be owned by the town. I can’t wait to see her finished sculpture – it’ll be yet another reason to be proud of Stevenage.”
The commission forms part of the UK government’s Towns Fund grant to Stevenage, through the Stevenage Development Board. Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board, commented: “I am delighted that this project, which is supported by the Towns Fund, will be able to create and unveil one of the newest pieces of public art in Stevenage for a number of years.
“This mosaic sculpture will be situated outside the main entrance of our new Bus Interchange and will also be included within the forthcoming Arts and Heritage Trail. As with all our work, we will engage with the community in order to shape exactly what this will look like and in order to gain these views we will run a number of workshops and sessions.
“The newly commissioned work will add to the rich heritage that we already have in Stevenage for expressing the development and growth of our community through arts and culture.”
Winning artist Donna is a trained primary and secondary school teacher and will continue to host and run her hugely popular art workshops for all ages and abilities in her studio and retail space, “& by Donna Reeves” in Ware, Herts.
You can read more from Donna on her website: Home | & by Donna Reeves (andbydonnareeves.com)
The Stevenage Bus Interchange commission is intended as a pilot for a wider series of public art commissions to follow.
12 July 2024
Those travelling by foot or bicycle in Stevenage may have noticed three new pieces of underpass artworks at the Monkswood Way and Six Hills Way roundabout.
Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council are working together to improve a number of underpasses throughout Stevenage, improving these for pedestrians and cyclists and celebrating everything that the town has to offer.
These newest artworks feature three themes that were voted for by the local community earlier this year. The first theme is ‘Stevenage on Wheels’ and focuses on sustainable active travel such as cycling and roller skating. Imagery from Hampson Skatepark, Cycling UK Stevenage, and Herts Roller Speed Team has been used as part of the mural design. The unveiling also coincides with the ‘Stevenage on Wheels’ exhibition at Stevenage Museum, on until 31 August. Find out more about the exhibition and other Museum events here: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/stevenage-museum.
The Town Centre Gardens artwork celebrates the Green Space Volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to keeping the Town Centre Gardens, amongst others, as beautiful as they are for everyone to enjoy. The gardens feature ornamental landscapes, the pond with the ‘Women and Doves’ fountain, alongside a sensory garden and commemorative and memorial trees. Further information on the work of a Green Space Volunteer, and how to become a Volunteer can be found here: https://www.stevenage.gov.uk/leisure-culture-and-wellbeing/parks-and-open-spaces/green-space-volunteers.
The final underpass showcases a collection of images taken by Stevenage Photographers, submitted by local amateur photographers, and selected as part of a competition launched earlier this year. The photos depict a variety of interest points taken from across the town. The winning entries have been fixed to the underpass brickwork, and feature contributions from the following:
Andy Shackell
Bluebells at Box Wood
Stag at Knebworth House
Brendan Falvey
Autumn at Fairlands Valley Park
Fireworks at Fairlands Valley Park
Joyride on Towns Square
C.W.S Mural on Towns Square
Colin Munford
Lavender at the Town Centre Gardens
Katie Walker
Walking through Monks Wood
Robin on the bridge
Lee Hardy
Misty morning in Great Ashby Woodland
Autumn at Fairlands Valley Park
Flowers in bloom at the War Memorial
Rebecca Stuart
Fox in Shephall Green
The Towers on Southgate
Congratulations to all our winners.
Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Stevenage is a town with a rich history, a strong sense of community pride, and talented artists and photographers that is all celebrated through these urban artworks. Our work with Hertfordshire County Council to improve the underpasses by highlighting the assets of the town serves as a reminder of the unique place that Stevenage is. I would like to thank all of those who voted for their favourite themes and to the amateur photographers for submitting their imagery – the results are truly incredible and I look forward to the programme continuing throughout the borough”.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Street art is a fun and expressive way to not only improve the local environment for residents, businesses and visitors, but also to recognise our achievements and encourage people to use the assets we have in Stevenage. The artists and local photographers have done an incredible job and captured the essence of Stevenage perfectly”.
The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through the UK Government Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. Part of the funding is allocated to improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity, and artworks to the underpasses and cycleways throughout the town are a key part of this.
Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The murals have proved to be a remarkable project as they not only improve our environment but they have also engaged the people of Stevenage.
“They have helped to highlight the heritage we have in the town and also the achievements which are taking place and the remarkable future which is ahead.”
Hertfordshire-based street artists MurWalls have designed and painted the walls of two underpasses, commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council. The third underpass featuring photos taken by local amateur photographers have been printed onto panels, supplied and installed by Banana Media UK.
Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways & Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “I am delighted that Hertfordshire County Council continues to partner Stevenage Borough Council in brightening up the town’s subways. These are the latest subway improvements using art to enhance the experience for pedestrians and cyclists. As a local member and the Executive Member for Highways, improvements to encourage active travel are very important to me and helps to achieve our vision of cleaner, greener and healthier Hertfordshire”.
Anti-graffiti protection has been added to the top of the artworks to prevent vandalism, and Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council ask that this is respected so the artwork is not damaged, and that residents and visitors can enjoy the scenes.
Elsewhere, the painting of two large scale urban artworks is underway as part of wider improvements to Market Square. These will add colour and vibrancy to the area, and in keeping with the urban artworks in underpasses within the town, are being painted by MurWalls.
Share your thoughts
*data required
Please read about our privacy notice and T&Cs here
By clicking on the submit button you are agreeing to our privacy notice