Three new pieces of underpass artwork have been revealed near Stevenage town centre.
Following murals painted last year near Stevenage FC's Lamex Stadium, the new artworks can be found at the Monkswood Way and Six Hills Way roundabout.
They feature three themes that were voted for by residents earlier this year.
The first, 'Stevenage on Wheels', focuses on sustainable active travel including cycling and roller skating using imagery from Hampson Skatepark, Cycling UK Stevenage, and Herts Roller Speed Team.
Meanwhile, the Town Centre Gardens artwork celebrates green space volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts to keeping the Town Centre Gardens, amongst others, looking pristine.
Finally, one 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 Andy Shackell, Brendan Falvey, Colin Munford, Katie Walker, Lee Hardy and Rebecca Stuart.
Funding for the project came from a small portion of the £37.5m grant Stevenage has received from the government's Towns Fund for the regeneration of the town centre. It was a joint project between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council.
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MurWalls, Hertfordshire-based street artists who also painted the underpasses near Stevenage FC, were commissioned by the county council to paint these underpasses too. The underpass featuring photographs was installed by Banana Media UK.Anti-graffiti protection has been added to the top of the artworks to prevent vandalism.
Two large scale urban artworks are also underway elsewhere in Stevenage, as part of improvements to Market Square. They are being painted by MurWalls.
Speaking after the new underpass murals were unveiled, Cllr Richard Henry, leader of Stevenage Borough Council, said: “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, commented: “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”.
Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, 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.”
Cllr Phil Bibby, executive member for highways & transport at Hertfordshire County Council, said: “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”.
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