Gloomy Cannock underpass to be transformed with community artwork
A gloomy underpass in Cannock town centre is being transformed into a vibrant walkway featuring artwork from the community.
The makeover of the Mill Street subway, which connects the Morrisons supermarket to the town centre, has started.
Wall tiles are being removed to provide space for paintings and handrails.
Cannock Chase Councillor Diane Todd, regeneration boss for town centre regeneration, joined workers for the start of the project.
The Heath Hayes East and Wimblebury Ward Councillor said: "I am delighted that the work has started on the underpass.
"I am looking forward to seeing the finished result which will last for many years to come.
"It is going to transform what has been described as a disgusting, dark, dingy underpass, into a bright, vibrant and welcoming one with artwork from the local community reflecting our district."
Staffordshire County Council and Amey Plc are carrying out the work.
Consultation for the project was undertaken in January this year and the results have helped to shape the design concept for the art piece, which will consist of individual artworks reflecting the district provided by professional artists and the local community.
The artwork is now being finalised and the production of some of the tiles has started. The installation of the tiles will start in mid-April and will be carried out by Tiled Space, the company who transformed the subway in Beecroft Road.
Pete Burt is managing director of Wigan Leisure Culture Trust, which runs Chase Leisure Centre, Prince of Wales Theatre and Cannock Chase Museum.
He said: "This is a fantastic project which has involved over 100 artists from across the district.
"It will help to promote the talents of local professionals and creative group members and their artworks will provide the underpass with a much needed face lift, benefitting the whole community.'
The next stage following the fitting of the tiles will be to start improving the steps leading into the underpass.
Pedestrians will still be able to access the underpass through the duration of the works.
The project is due to be completed by June.
