Stevenage underpass transformed with artwork by pupils

An underpass has been transformed with artwork by 268 schoolchildren from 19 schools as part of the Colour in the Underpass project, a wider programme to brighten public spaces while improving pedestrian and cycling routes. 

The designs were created by pupils across Stevenage. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council) The winning designs, created by pupils from schools across the town, are now on permanent display in the Martins Way/Hitchin Road roundabout underpass.

Simon Speller, cabinet member for culture, leisure and wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see the children’s colourful artworks in this latest underpass transformation – thank you everyone for entering the competition.

Representatives from HCC, SBC and SDB and deputy youth mayor. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council) “The children should be very proud of their work.

“This new underpass transformation, alongside others already transformed, will be enjoyed by many pedestrians and cyclists and are key to championing the arts and cultural offering of the town.”

The project is part of a broader effort to improve underpasses across Stevenage, supported by funding from the Stevenage Development Board through the UK Government Towns Fund.

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council collaborated to make this project a reality. (Image: Stevenage Borough Council) In March 2021, Stevenage was awarded £37.5 million from the fund, with a portion dedicated to enhancing cycling and pedestrian connectivity through upgraded and beautified underpasses.

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Adrian Hawkins OBE, chair of the Stevenage Development Board, said: “Our recent links with schools to encourage them to support our cycleways project with students’ artwork is supporting and delivering our heritage further for the future.

“We are a community with a real opportunity to work together and this we are achieving by making our underpasses more interesting and safer for everyone to enjoy.” 

The project was made possible through collaboration between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council, with more underpass transformations planned in the coming weeks.