Swindon’s Sheppard Street underpass has recently been graced with a vibrant new mural, a colourful tribute to the town’s illustrious canal history. This captivating piece of art was masterfully created by the talented Luke Gray, who worked closely with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust to ensure historical accuracy in his work.
The mural is part of an ongoing initiative to enhance the area and its underpasses, making them more inviting and engaging for locals and visitors alike. Councillor Marina Strinkovsky, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for heritage, art, and culture, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Making the Railway Village a more accessible and inviting place is very important to me.”
The mural not only adds aesthetic value to the area but also serves as a bridge between the town centre and popular attractions such as the Outlet Village and Steam Museum. The aim is to encourage more footfall in the area and provide an enriching experience for those traversing through the Works area.
This mural unveiling is part of a larger project to rejuvenate the Railway Village, a project that has secured £3m in funding from the government’s Towns Fund. Future plans include widening the pavement in front of the Carriage Works on London Street, planting more trees, improving the space outside the Bristol Street tunnel with new railings and planting, and creating a pocket park outside the Sheppard Street underpass.
This initiative is a testament to Swindon’s commitment to preserving its history while also making strides towards a more vibrant and engaging future. So, the next time you’re in the area, why not take a moment to appreciate this beautiful mural and the rich history it represents?
Image: Councillor Marina Strinkovsky with the mural at the Sheppard St underpass (Image credit: SBC)
