Wolverhampton-born and bred professional illustrator, street artist and muralist Phil Lynch is producing a mural for the entire length of the hoardings on the theme of regeneration and growth. The Tettenhall-based artist, also known as Mr Tronix, aims to give people a different view of the city centre and the mural will also support the city's bid to retain its Heart of England in Bloom Gold Award when judges visit Wolverhampton in the summer.
He starts work on the mural on Sunday June 9, 2013. Using spray paint he will produce an illustrative mural portraying regeneration.
He said: "I feel that art in public places will help people to think differently about their surroundings. My intention is to surprise and inspire residents and visitors to the city centre, encouraging them to think differently about what's around them.
"The theme of regeneration and growth lends itself well to the city's ambition to retain its Heart of England in Bloom Gold award".
Cabinet member for Economic Regeneration and Prosperity, Councillor Peter Bilson, said: "While the hoardings have been retained in anticipation of new development commencing in the near future, they don't give the best impression of the city as you go to and from the train station. We're delighted that a local artist is creating this artwork for the benefit of the city. Regeneration and growth always starts with a vision - and is made real by the efforts of creative people who want to change things for the better."
The first phase of the Interchange development - Wolverhampton's transport hub - includes the new bus station for Wolverhampton which opened to the public in July 2011 now complemented with retail units, offices and a coffee bar.
Future plans for the redevelopment of the city's railway station are taking shape with a bid for Regional Growth Funding recently submitted to support the cost of new infrastructure. A Steering Group comprising senior representatives of the council, its delivery partner Neptune Developments, Centro, Network Rail, Virgin Trains and the Canal and River Trust is driving the development plans forward. Centro has recently completed a formal consultation process on proposals for a Metro extension to serve the new railway station.
The council is actively exploring the speculative delivery of new offices, retail and leisure floor space on the site bounded by the hoardings.
- released: Monday 10 June, 2013