Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Underpass is given an overhaul
An intimidating graffiti-plagued underpass in Canterbury has been transformed through an artistic community project.
The route, linking Westgate Gardens with Toddler’s Cove under Rheims Way, is now a feast of colour and poetry with new lights and surfacing. The work has been funded by the Parks for People Heritage Lottery Project and led by Westgate parks officer Anna Bell.
The work began on May 23, with many hours of enthusiastic input by volunteers from the Friends of Westgate Parks, the Fresh Start calligraphy group, Canterbury Umbrella Centre clients and members of the community.
The underpass had been identified as a key area for improvement after public consultation as part of the bid for Heritage Lottery funding.
Many said its intimidating appearance was stopping people venturing through it.
Canterbury artist Colette Baumback was commissioned by the city council to work alongside Mrs Bell and the community development officer, Nicky Thompson. The mural design was created by local groups and to mitigate against future damage antigraffiti paint has been applied.
Mrs Bell said: “This has been a marvellous community project. The dedication of the volunteers has been exceptional and the result is fantastic.
“Special thanks must go to Colette Baumback for all her hard work and creative energy.”
The Friends of Westgate parks are organising Art in the Park, an open air exhibition, on Saturday, July 16.
It is free to the public and will be a chance for local artists to showcase their work.
It runs from 10am to 3pm and there will be a small fee for exhibition space.
Anyone interested should email Colette Baumback at colettecolour@hotmail.co.uk