Watercolours - art brightens up new £9m flood defences
THAT REFLECT COMMUNITY’S PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
THIS rainbow of street art is brightening up Salford’s new flood defences.
Street artist, kELzO, alias Tony Bredbury, has painted equipment kiosks and retaining walls at the £9m storage basin in Kersal.
The aim is to deter graffiti attacks, and brighten up public open spaces.
Tony has been inspired by the surroundings and the history of the site.
One kiosk is next to “Harry’s Hill”. a knoll, named after the highly respected councillor, Harry Davies, who died in November. It includes images of local wildlife which planners hope will be attracted to the new wetland area, which has been created as part of the scheme.
Local landmarks which can be seen from the viewing point at the top of the hill are also featured.
Another kiosk, next to the inlet weir, tells a story about the history of the site and its past uses, such as being home to Manchester Racecourse and a mansion house which included a castellated roof - which is where the name Castle Irwell originates.
The concrete walls either side of the outlet next to the wetland have also been painted with images of local wildlife, such as kingfisher and otter. The kiosk in the middle of the outlet has been painted to resemble a horse stable to remember the old stables for the racecourse which were next to Harry’s Hill.
The kiosks house telemetry equipment for the outlet and the inlet structures and provide welfare facilities for the Environment Agency’s operations team during a flood event.
Tony said: “My idea was to bring a colourful vibrant display of the natural wildlife in the area along with murals of local history and I’m happy the way it came out. I dedicate it to the people of Salford who can enjoy it for years to come.”
Pete Costello, flood manager at Environment Agency, said: “The Salford Flood Improvement Scheme will deliver a long held vision to create a second flood basin in the city to further reduce flood risk from the River Irwell since the construction of the first flood basin in Salford in 2005.
“It will better protect 1,110 properties from flooding. The scheme will also deliver a number of high quality sports pitches and a wetland within a much improved public space, to develop and promote the riverside environment as a key local resource to be enjoyed and a community open day is being planned for September.”