Fleet Street transformed into new public art corridor

Fleet Street in Swindon has been transformed through a major public art initiative celebrating local heritage, biodiversity, and urban regeneration.

The largest artwork in the series has now been completed on the prominent wall between the Ibis Hotel and Holiday Inn, overlooking a leisure and hospitality area that includes pubs, restaurants and independent venues such as Drinks Valley Bar and Microbrewery.

Helen Salter, Public Art Project Manager at Artsite, said: "We’ve put a great deal of passion and thought into creating something that supports local artists and businesses. The artwork celebrates our town’s heritage and biodiversity, while bringing new life to the area. These murals feel like a real milestone for a part of town that I’ve known, enjoyed, and cared about for many years."

Created by local artist Ed Poster, the striking British Wildlife Corridor design features native wildflowers and a dragonfly, symbolising biodiversity and referencing the historic Wilts & Berks Canal, part of which once ran through Swindon town centre.

This latest piece completes a series of four murals redefining Fleet Street. Highlights include works by Caryn Koh and Dayna Baxter, exploring heritage and the concept of nature reclaiming urban spaces, alongside a large bold geometric “prism gateway” mural by Ed Poster at 42 -45 Fleet Street and an immersive, architecture-inspired façade design.

Curated and managed by Artsite, the organisation behind Swindon Paint Fest, the programme was commissioned and championed by Swindon Borough Council, with support from Swindon Culture Collective thanks to Arts Council England’s National Lottery Place Partnership Fund. The project introduces a series of large-scale artworks designed to celebrate Fleet Street’s heritage, strengthen community pride, and create a more vibrant and welcoming destination.

Alongside the murals, a newly installed 100-year timeline brings Fleet Street’s history to life through archival images and stories, connecting its rich architecture, industrial and nightlife past with its creative future.

Louise Halliday, Swindon Culture Collective, said: “Ed has done an amazing job on the Hotel Ibis mural. Every time I walk past, I’m blown away. We’ve had lots of comments from the public telling us how much they value Swindon’s vibrant street art, and these new artworks are a testament to the amazing talent we have here – not just of the artists who create the murals, but in the dedication of the Artsite producers, working behind the scenes to make it possible.”

While the main transformation is now complete, further plans are in development to enhance the area with additional arts and community spaces, including potential green space and planting. The team is also inviting local businesses with suitable walls or shutters to explore opportunities for smaller-scale artworks, continuing Fleet Street’s creative and environmental evolution.

Interested businesses can contact: [email protected]