Left to right: South Swindon Central Ward Cllr Rosie Leather, Philip Harland - SSEN, Paul Burt - SSEN, Paul Exton – Artsite, Caryn Koh – Artsite.

A substation in Swindon’s GWR Park has been transformed into a stunning work of public art thanks to a community mural project through South Swindon Parish Council, local arts group Artsite and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN).

Owned by SSEN, the building had recently undergone roof repairs and rather than leave it in its plain state, the parish council commissioned Artsite to develop a mural-painting initiative for local residents to enjoy together.

Held during the Blossom Festival in GWR Park, the community was invited to use a ‘paint by numbers’ method, with visitors encouraged to pick up a brush and help create the vibrant work of art.

Residents of all ages took part in painting in the mural design, which had been crafted by artists Caryn Koh and Paul Exton from Artsite, and incorporated iconic local landmarks and imagery evocative of Swindon’s heritage.

Phillip Harland, SSEN’s CMI 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.”

SSEN is also gifting £1,000 to Swindon Parish Council for use on another community project in GWR Park which will complement and enhance its existing facilities and events.

Cllr Junab Ali, 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.”

The wall facing the Mother Language Memorial features the word “welcome”, in many of the different languages that are spoken across Swindon, and it’s hoped that the mural will bring some much-needed colour to the Western side of the park.