Three new artworks have been officially unveiled in Stevenage, in the underpasses located near the Lamex Stadium at the Broadhall Way roundabout.
As shown in a recent Comet article, the artworks depict themes representing different parts of Stevenage's identity - one represents the football club, another focuses on science and technology, while the third commemorates Stevenage's green spaces and active travel.
Hertfordshire-based street artist MurWalls was commissioned by Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) to paint the scenes, which were funded by a grant from the government's Towns Fund to the Stevenage Development Board.
Stevenage received an award of £37.5m, with some of that money dedicated to improving cycling and pedestrian routes across the town. The underpass improvement project was a collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) and HCC.
Cllr Richard Henry, leader of SBC, said: “We want Stevenage to be a place that continues to be bright and vibrant.
"As we move forward with our programme of transformation to the town centre, we remain committed to making improvements to the wider area and this collaboration with Hertfordshire County Council celebrates some of the many reasons we have to be proud of our town.
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"We work with a range of fantastic partners throughout the town, and our thanks go to everyone who has made this project a reality, including the Stevenage Development Board and the Stevenage FC Foundation”.
Cllr Loraine Rossati, executive member for culture, leisure and information Technology at SBC, added: “The use of street art to improve our local environment is a fun and engaging way to recognise our achievements and the heritage that has created the Stevenage we know and love today.
"The artists have done a fantastic job with this artwork. We are exploring further opportunities to work with Hertfordshire County Council to improve other underpasses in the town and to continue to showcase the best of Stevenage”.
Cllr Phil Bibby, cabinet member for highways & transport at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “The murals are a fantastic addition to Stevenage and will hopefully encourage more people to walk and cycle, especially to and from the Stadium.
"I’d like to thank MurWalls for creating such wonderful artwork, as well as Stevenage Borough Council and Stevenage Football Club who have done a great job bringing the area to life.
“Our aim is to offer all residents a cleaner, greener, healthier Hertfordshire. Providing attractive places to walk and cycle encourages more active travel, protects the environment and helps reduce traffic congestion.”
Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said: “We are delighted to see these artworks completed. They represent some of the key qualities of our town and celebrate the achievements which are ongoing, such as our STEM based industries that offer great employment opportunities and skills to local people.
"We hope that this work will inspire the future generation to work towards the next set of scientific achievements to come from the town.”
Mike Pink, Chief Executive Officer at Stevenage Football Club, said: “On behalf of Stevenage Football Club, I would like to thank Hertfordshire County Council, the Stevenage Development Board and MurWalls for the wonderfully painted historic and community-based murals which now feature in the underpass leading to the Lamex Stadium.
"The addition of the murals has added considerably to the overall experience of arriving at Stevenage Football Club for a match day and I encourage all our supporters whether using public transport, driving, cycling or walking to pay them a visit.”
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