News

Local art project brings hoardings to life

The work of a local artist and the children of Drove Primary School is bringing the hoardings along Fleming Way to life. Over recent weeks, Swindon artist David Marlow has been working with twenty 8-10 year olds from Drove Primary School to create an exciting montage of images of central Swindon. The vibrant artwork, which extends the length of the former Post Office wall on Fleming Way, includes personal items, writings and drawings from the children and around 100 images. It represents a variety of perspectives of the town centre, past and present.

The project was brought together by a partnership which included The New Swindon Company, Swindon Borough Council - Public Art Swindon, Artsmad and Drove Primary School. Commenting on the initiative, Councillor Justin Tomlinson, Swindon Borough Council's cabinet member for leisure, culture and recreation said, "This project has given the children the opportunity to be involved in the creation of a piece of high quality art work which will be in a visible location in the town centre. The pupils have been inspired to look at their surroundings in a new way and to develop new art techniques."

The hoarding surrounds the former Post Office site which was demolished earlier this year. The site was acquired in 2003 by national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, one of the three funding partners for The New Swindon Company. It is part of The Exchange, one of the major regeneration project areas for the town centre. Philip Watkins, interim Chief Executive of The New Swindon Company said, "We are delighted that young people and art have come together to create such vibrant visual images of Swindon and on such a grand scale. There is a significant amount of work to be done before any plans can be agreed or development can start on site, so it is good to have the visual interest on the hoarding during these phases."

The Exchange is one of seven major projects for the town centre and is proposed for mixed use development including retail, offices, leisure and new homes. The next stage in the regeneration planning process which will include opportunities for public participation.

Friday 8th July 2005