Bourges Boulevard wall would be great site for memorial art

The large wall area on the side of the current TK Maxx building in Bridge Street could be an ideal location for a large mural tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The wall which fronts on to Bourges Boulevard has long been earmarked for an artwork project.

In 2017 arts group Paper Rhino created large scale artwork visuals for the wall as part of part of their Re:ImaginePeterborough project, in a suggestion to turn blank brick walls into huge works of art.

It was suggested at that time that the giant paintings could be placed on the TK Maxx wall on Bourges Boulevard, among other sites as part of that project.

There was widespread support for the concept but it has not gone any further.

Following the public calling for tributes to lockdown legend Captain Sir Tom the site off Bourges Boulevard is one which might suit a large scale project.

Peterborough MP Paul Bristowsaid the idea was ambitious but had his support.

Mr Bristow said: “Captain Sir Tom was a beacon of light in the country’s darkest hour.

“A fitting tribute in Peterborough would be welcome.

“The side of the former Woolworth building would be a huge task, but if all the parts fitted I would love to see a tribute to Captain Sir Tom on that wall.”

Peterborough Telegraph editor Mark Edwards added: “We have had a great deal of feedback from readers over the years about the unsightly nature of the old ‘Woolies Wall’.

“There was a lot of interest in the designs in 2017 and we think that a tribute to Captain Sir Tom and perhaps other lockdown heroes and organisations like the NHS, would be a spectacular way to make the best use of what is a huge blank canvas.

“Hopefully, the city council and the art groups will be able to look into whether it would be feasible.”

Email your views and suggestions to: mark.edwards@ jpimedia.co.uk

One of the original suggested artworks by Paper Rhino in 2017