New public artwork unveiled at Stevenage Bus Interchange

WEDNESDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2025

A new, permanent piece of public artwork has been unveiled at the Stevenage Bus Interchange. Featuring stories and memories from the local community, including what brought people to Stevenage and their favourite things about the town, the mosaic sculpture is positioned directly in front of the entrance to the Bus Interchange.

Local artist Donna Reeves has been working with Junction 7 Creatives (J7C) to collate these stories.

Donna Reeves comments: “I have enjoyed creating this public mosaic sculpture as it reflects the ideas, stories, and personal memories of the Stevenage community, making it truly for the people. After 30 years of working in public art, this project feels especially personal, as I see it as a way of giving back to the town that welcomed my grandpa and family from London to Hertfordshire”.

This piece of artwork forms part of the Stevenage Heart Trails – 27 miles of traffic-free footpaths allow everyone to explore and discover hidden art and heritage across Stevenage. This commission is the first in a wider series of public art commissions to follow.

Cllr Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, added: “Our communities and pioneers have helped to create the Stevenage we know and love today, and this is reflected in this sculpture. The memories and stories shared, and items embedded in the artwork, represent many pieces of history for the community to own and be proud of. Public art helps to shape our public spaces and this, and the commissions to follow, celebrate the heritage of the town and the people who built it”.

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 this has been a fabulous opportunity to create a wonderful new piece of artwork in this area which in time will become an even busier thoroughfare”.

You can find out more about Donna on her website: www.andbydonnareeves.com.

Stevenage underpass transformations

11 JULY 2025

A colourful new underpass art display has been unveiled in Stevenage showcasing the creativity of local schoolchildren.   ‘Colour in the Underpass’ features artworks from Stevenage school children.

In late 2024 Stevenage schools were invited to submit their colourful designs in a competition as part of a wider programme of underpass transformations throughout the town. The winning 268 entries from 19 schools are now displayed in the Martins Way/Hitchin Road roundabout underpass.

The unveiling event was attended by pupils from participating schools and representatives from Stevenage Borough Council, Hertfordshire County Council and the Stevenage Development Board.

Councillor Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, commented: “It’s wonderful to see the children’s colourful artworks in this latest underpass transformation – thank you everyone for entering the competition! The children should be very proud of their work. This new underpass transformation, alongside others already transformed, will be enjoyed by many pedestrians and cyclists and are key to championing the arts and cultural offering of the town.  Stevenage has so much history to be celebrated, so much community spirit and vibrancy, and I thank everyone who has made this underpass into the work of art it is today!”

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 Stevenage Development Board has directed funding for projects in the town into several key areas such as the healthy enjoyment of our facilities and opportunities for skills improvements, alongside recognising our very important heritage as the First New Town. We are blessed with 44km of cycleways as the town has developed and using bikes is sustainable, cost effective, healthy and safe. Our recent links with schools to encourage them to support our cycleways project with students’ artwork is supporting and delivering our heritage further for the future. We are a community with a real opportunity to work together and this we are achieving by making our underpasses more interesting and safer for everyone to enjoy.”

This transformation would not have been possible without the participation of local schools.

Christina Anderson, Chair of the Stevenage Creative Network of schools commented: “It is wonderful to see the children’s creativity with colour in this latest underpass transformation. Creativity provides children with the opportunity to explore and communicate ideas – and the overall result is stunning. Having their artwork on display in the public domain supports a sense of belonging and pride in our town. I’m delighted that so many children took part in this fantastic opportunity.”

This underpass is the latest to be improved as part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, added: “This stunning artwork is a brilliant celebration of Stevenage’s young talent and a shining example of what can be achieved when we invest in local spaces and communities. By working as a team, we’re creating safer, more welcoming routes and places for people – and making our towns places to be proud of. Huge thanks to all the children, schools and partners involved – this really brings the underpass to life.”

Over the coming weeks, a further series of underpasses are due to be transformed:

📍 Martins Way/Hitchin Road Underpass (Wingwalls)

💬 Colour

🎨 @carlcashman

 

📍 Dewpond Close

💬 Remembrance

🎨 @itaewon_artist

 

📍 ICL

💬 Six Hill History

🎨 @ itaewon_artist

 

📍 Silam Road

💬 Sports, leisure and play

🎨 @mrchrista_

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way East

💬 Women in Stevenage

🎨 @mollyhankinson.studio

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way West

💬 Pride

🎨 @junction7creatives

 

📍 Fairlands Way/Lytton Way South West

💬 Cultural and ethnic diversity

🎨 @pacifico.designs and @murwalls

Designs from Stevenage school competition to feature in underpass

24 FEBRUARY 2025

In late 2024 Stevenage schools were invited to enter a competition to have their artwork displayed on the walls of a local underpass. Over 950 entries were received and the winning designs will transform the Gunnels Wood Road and Martins Way underpass.

Due to be unveiled in the spring, 268 artworks will be displayed.  Children were asked to select one of the town’s designated neighbourhood colours to create their designs.

A panel of judges, including Cllr Loraine Rossati, representatives from Junction 7 Creatives and the Stevenage Development Board, selected the winning entries from 19 schools including Almond Hill, Bedwell Primary, The Leys Primary and Nursery and Marriotts School. Every school who entered the competition will be represented as part of the overall design.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “We would like to thank all the young people for their amazing and colourful entries and for helping to make this competition such a success.  Seeing their artwork was inspirational and really opened our eyes to the amazing creativity of young people in Stevenage. Congratulations to everyone whose entry was chosen for the underpasses and we look forward to seeing their bright and bold artworks displayed.”

The underpass project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s towns fund of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021, and will be the latest artwork to be installed as part of a programme of underpass improvement works by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “The development of our town is at the heart of our people and we are delighted that our desire to encourage the use of our cycleways and make them wonderful facilities to use and interesting to see, that our local schools have delivered some wonderful artwork ideas. This is our community engaging in creating our future presentation and regeneration of our town and is wonderful to see”.

Davinder Khangura, Headteacher of The Leys Primary and Nursery School and Chair of Stevenage Pupil Parliament, adds:  “The children thoroughly enjoyed designing artwork for the Stevenage underpasses, using different colours to bring their creative ideas to life. They were excited to express themselves through art and loved the challenge of entering the competition. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their talents and contribute to their community!”

Expansion of Co-Space in Stevenage completed

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.”

Stevenage Stories at the heart of new artwork for Stevenage Bus Interchange

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.

Designs revealed for a new Sports & Leisure Centre for Stevenage: Have Your Say

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:

  • Saturday 23 November, 12:00 – 16:30, Stevenage Town Square (Town Centre Gazebo)
  • Monday 25 November, 18:30 – 20:00, Stevenage Arts & Leisure Centre café
  • Wednesday 27 November, 12:30 – 14:30, 21 Town Square (former McDonalds Unit), Stevenage Town Square
  • Saturday 30 November, 10:30 – 12:30, Stevenage Swimming Centre

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.”

Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Local schools invited to help design the next underpass artworks in Stevenage

Primary and secondary school pupils in Stevenage are invited to showcase their creative and design skills with bold colourful designs for a brand new urban design competition “Colour in the Underpass”.  Winning entries will feature in a large school urban artwork display in a Stevenage underpass to be unveiled in Spring 2025.

Pupils are invited to create bold designs in predominantly one colour shade.  The competition provides opportunities for local children to get involved with what’s happening in their town and learn more about Stevenage’s unique New Town history and unique pedestrian and cycle network.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “The urban artworks recently unveiled in the town highlight just some of the things that are great about Stevenage, from our much loved green spaces through to internationally renowned businesses. There are so many opportunities here for young people, and it has always been our vision to allow everyone to help to shape the future of the town. We are now asking for help from local schools in shaping the next underpass artworks in the town, based on bold, bright colours and designs. We look forward to seeing the entries!”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Our public art projects are about making the town more vibrant, showcasing the talents of our local community and highlighting their contributions to Stevenage. Young people have so much to offer and we are so excited to be launching this competition to showcase a new set of artworks as part of this programme. We hope that projects like this will also encourage younger people and families to use our pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, not just for leisure but for walking and cycling to school too.”

The competition closes on Friday 15 November when entries will be judged by a panel of judges.

The underpass project is being funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s towns fund of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021, and will be the latest artwork to be installed as part of a programme of underpass improvement works by Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Chair of the Stevenage Development Board Adrian Hawkins OBE added: “Involving the young people of Stevenage in framing their own future is a cornerstone of the regeneration project and it’s clear that these are the people who will shape what tomorrow looks like.

“Creating a competition in which schools are able to design the next underpass artwork using the theme of colour is the perfect way to include the next generation in town development.

“With our focus on STEM and the desire to make Stevenage a great place to live and work, it is my firm belief that engaging young people through education to choose how their home will look is the perfect outcome.

“I’m also delighted that we have chosen colour as our next subject matter and have given a clear nod to the original developers of the town who, among other remarkable acts of foresight, colour coded Stevenage and its areas for ease of access.”

For more information about the competition, please email regeneration@stevenage.gov.uk.

Sish Lane Underpass transformed

The underpass at Sish Lane, part of a key travel route between Stevenage Old Town and Stevenage Town Centre, has been transformed with the introduction of a new piece of urban artwork.

The community were asked to share their memories to form part of this latest feature. The artwork depicts scenes from both the Old Town and New Town, alongside these memories from the past and iconic features of the present. This underpass is the latest to be improved as part of a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.

Cllr Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Stevenage Old Town is just as important as the New Town and has a wealth of heritage that deserves to be celebrated. Not only does this artwork provide a warm welcome to those travelling by foot or bike to or from the Old Town, but it also connects our past and present through a series of images that celebrate Stevenage as a whole. We are delighted with how all of the urban artworks across the town have been received and we look forward to the programme continuing throughout the borough”.

Cllr Loraine Rossati, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Connectivity is a key focus of this programme of underpass artworks, linking different areas throughout the borough with fun and expressive artworks that encourage people to use our underpass network. As this latest unveiling depicts, we have so much history in the town to be celebrated and this has been perfectly captured in this latest mural. We hope that everyone enjoys the scenes and that this brightens up journeys as the underpass is used”.

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: “We are delighted with the latest urban artwork which has been created at the important Sish Lane underpass travel route. It has always been a key part of the joining of Stevenage Old Town and Stevenage town centre and its design and completion has been made possible by both the joint working of Stevenage Borough Council and Herts County Council and the input of the Stevenage Development Board.

“Such collaborative working, which has also included the Towns Fund, shows that all parties are working together for the best interests of Stevenage in this regeneration.”

Cllr Phil Bibby, Executive Member for Highways and Transport at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “This is another example of Hertfordshire County Council working in partnership to brighten up some of our subways. I am delighted with the result here, and hope it will encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle, contributing to our vision for a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. My sincere thanks goes out to all that helped bring this project together.”

Hertfordshire-based street artists MurWalls have designed and painted the underpass.

Market Square improvements set to continue

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.

  • 9 September – 6 October. Works will be taking place on Market Square (southern side) and therefore this entrance to the Indoor Market will be closed. Visitors should use the northern entrances accessible from Park Place. The road will remain open and those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
  • 7 – 27 October. The northern entrances to the Indoor Market will be closed whilst works take place, and the road will remain open. People visiting the Indoor Market will need to use the southern entrances off Market Place. Those using St George’s Way Car Park will be directed to alternative pedestrian access points. Signage will be in place.
  • 28 October – 10 November. During this period of time the pedestrian footpath outside Mulberry House (Park Place) will remain open but will have a reduced width. However, the footpath and the road remain fully open.
  • 11 – 24 November. There will be reduced pedestrian access to Market Square from Market Place. Entrances to the Indoor Market will remain unaffected.

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.”

Local artist commissioned to transform Stevenage Bus Interchange

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.