A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the artwork at the Tontine Car Park underpass on Chalon Way West on Monday.
The site, opposite St Helens’ temporary bus station, has been transformed from a grotty, graffiti-plagued pedestrian route – that some regarded as intimidating – into a vibrant public artwork.
It is now a source of civic pride, featuring imagery of St Helens landmarks, including Carr Mill Dam, Dream, Victoria Park and rugby league.
There are also a pair of “glass angel wings” where artists hope people will stand in front of and pose for pictures.
Councillor Sharon Roughley, cabinet member for stronger communities at St Helens Borough Council, joined people and organisations involved in the project to lead the ribbon-cutting.
Cllr Sharon Roughley led the unveiling (Image: St Helens Star)
A ribbon-cutting event took place (Image: St Helens Star)
Youth leaders hope the area can become a place in the town centre where young people can gather for positive activities. Even though it has been officially unveiled, the mural is expected to be extended along further areas of brickwork.
Cllr Roughley told those gathered for the event that one woman had described how seeing the transformed space had “brightened her day”.
She said the project had been an opportunity to create something the community could be proud of, with young people at the heart of it.
The project was commissioned by St Helens Borough Council and delivered by professional mural artists Powered by Hiphop and Kingsyze Graffiti in partnership with youth organisations VIBE, REACH and the YMCA. Funding support has come from the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner.
The mural has been created by young people (Image: St Helens Star)
St Helens landmarks and locations feature on the mural (Image: St Helens Star)
Dozens of young people took part in workshops helping to shape the design, with the final artwork celebrating the town’s heritage and identity while carrying a welcoming message for residents and visitors.
Speaking at the unveiling, attendees celebrated the completion of a scheme which has turned a neglected underpass into a colourful focal point and left a lasting legacy created with the direct involvement of local young people.
Council officials added that to encourage other organisations to clean up parts of St Helens they need to focus on places the local authority – which owns Church Square Shopping and runs Tontine Market – has responsibility for too.