Invitation to help create underpass mural

Residents are being given the opportunity to take part in a project to brighten up an underpass that connects Southcote with Prospect Park.

The mural will feature images of flowers, grasses and trees that grow in the local area and include people’s happy memories and positive words about the community.

Members of the public are being invited to an event next month where they will be able to contribute to the mural and meet the artist.

The mural is being created in the Granville underpass by artist Jenna Fox.

Residents are welcome to come along to the underpass on Sunday 4 October, between 10am-midday, and add to the mural by writing some positive words about the local area and the community.

There is also an opportunity to play a part in the mural for those who are unable to attend in person.

An online form is now available where residents can write about a memory of the area, something they love about the community and a positive message they would like included in the artwork. These will then be added to the mural.

There is also an opportunity to name the mural.

The form can be found at: Granville Underpass Memories of Southcote and Prospect Park  – Fill out form

Local youth groups are also helping to create some of the images for the project.

Jenna, whose public artwork can already be seen locally at Cow Lane and on the Reading West station railway bridge, was selected for the project by community members, artists, council officers and heritage practitioners. The project is being funded by developer contributions through the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Councillor Jacopo Lanzoni, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Culture, said:

“The Granville underpass is a well-used pedestrian route which will benefit hugely from this lively and colourful mural.  

“Prospect Park is one of Reading’s best loved public spaces with amazing trees, bright flowers and grasses and it will be wonderful to capture those scenes in this work of art.

“It is so great that residents can share their memories and positive thoughts about the area and help create this special mural, either in person or online.

“I cannot wait to see the underpass transformed by this vibrant and joyful public art.”