A substation in GWR Park has been transformed into a stunning work of public art thanks to a community mural project.
The project has been spearheaded by South Swindon Parish Council and local arts group Artsite.
The ageing substation, owned by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN), underwent roof repairs in November 2023.
Rather than leaving the building in its plain state, the parish council commissioned Artsite to lead a community mural painting initiative.
The community painting of the mural was held during the Blossom Festival in GWR Park on 28 April. Using a ‘paint by numbers’ method, visitors were able to pick up a brush and help create the vibrant work of art. Residents of all ages joined the fun day of live music, arts and crafts, and heritage tours before picking up paint brushes to start work on the mural.
Cllr Junab Ali of South Swindon Parish Council said: “The mural is a fantastic new addition to GWR Park, while paying respect to Swindon’s industrial heritage and diversity.
“Thank you to Artsite for creating such a fantastic piece of art. We’re delighted that the local community has got involved in this project and they are now part of a little bit of history.
“We must thank Historic England and the National Trust for their continued support over the past two years.”
The mural design, carefully crafted by artists Caryn Koh and Paul Exton from Artsite, incorporates iconic local landmarks and imagery evocative of Swindon’s heritage. The wall facing the Mother Language Memorial features the word “welcome” in many of the languages that are spoken across Swindon.
The community mural project is the culmination of two years of improvement works in GWR Park as part of the Historic England Heritage Action Zone initiative, and is part funded by the National Trust.
Over the past two years GWR Park has undergone major transformations, with the addition of a new Blossom Circle, formal gardens, park furniture and information boards.
Residents and visitors alike are invited to take a close look at the stunning transformation and discover the deeper stories woven into the vibrant design.
It is hoped that the mural will bring some much-needed colour to the Western side of the park.
Phillip Harland, Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' Team Manager for the area, said: “We are delighted to see the transformation of this SSEN substation, from a plain building to this fabulous work of art that everyone can enjoy.
“We’d like to thank Swindon Parish Council, Artsite and the local community for all of their efforts to bring this project to life.”
Local resident Becky Cox said: “It was a great idea getting children (and adults) to take part in the mural by ‘painting by numbers.’ My four-year-old very much enjoyed it. It will be lovely to pass by the mural when it’s complete and say that we helped create it.”
More information about the Parish Council and its initiatives can be found at www.southswindon-pc.gov.uk
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