A stunning piece of artwork has been unveiled on the hoarding at Higgins’ latest project on Land North of Chippenham Gardens in South Kilburn. The artwork, created by London based artist Frankie Strand, was commissioned to create a unique mural for a section of the construction site hoarding.
The mural is a celebration of the greenery and wildlife found at Chippenham Gardens in the past, present and future and features British plants and wildlife throughout the different seasons.
Frankie, who has a background in street art and illustration, comments, “It’s an honour to be invited to paint the hoarding around Chippenham Gardens and to be a part of the project. I hope the artwork brightens people’s days and builds interest in the new public square and the plants and wildlife featured. I think green spaces in London are a really valuable and treasured part of city life, especially in recent times where meeting outside has become one of the only possibilities for social connection.”
The new Public Square, which is featured in the centre of the mural, will deliver a new public realm for everyone to enjoy. This high quality and accessible space will contain vibrant planting, bespoke street furniture and new lighting columns to improve overall visibility and create a place of tranquillity and enjoyment. It is expected to be delivered by Winter 2022.
The apples featured on the mural are a nod to the orchard historically located on the site back in the mid-to late 1800s. The flowers give a flavour of the proposed planting within the New Public Square which includes Pencilled Cranesbill, Welsh Polypody and Daisies. These plant species will attract birds and pollinating insects including bees and ties into the surrounding biodiversity of Brent’s Bee Corridor.
The bird on the left of the mural is a goldfinch which are common garden birds identified by their distinctive red faces and yellow wings. The bird on the right is a Great Spotted Woodpecker which are black and white with a bright red tail. Woodpeckers are uncommon in London but can be found in urban parks and gardens and their distinctive drumming or pecking noise often means they are heard before they are seen!
Amy Ross, Head of Social Value at Higgins said: “We are really pleased with the design that Frankie has produced and it has been great working with her. From the outset we were keen that the mural reflected the green elements of the new development with the creation of a public square and what Frankie has painted has achieved this. I hope that the local community will be pleased with it too.”
Alan Lunt Strategic Director Regeneration & Environment at Brent Council said: “We’re glad to have given Frankie the opportunity to create this mural to brighten up the area whilst the building of much needed affordable housing and the regeneration to this area takes place.”
Higgins is building 52 high quality new homes for Brent Council, including 22 affordable homes for existing South Kilburn council tenants. The redevelopment site comprises of 4-26 Stuart Road (even numbers only) and 5-9 Chippenham Gardens and forms a fundamental and key part of phase 3a of the South Kilburn regeneration programme.
Designed by award winning PRP Architects and wider multi-disciplinary design team, the project has undergone an extensive and inclusive consultation process with existing residents and wider stakeholders.
As well as the new public square, the scheme will also be a car-free development with, the intended adoption of Stuart Road by the local highway authority and CPZ parking also intended to be implemented along Stuart Road.
The hoarding mural art will be on display until at least December 2021. For more information about Frankie and her work please visit www.frankiestrand.com
For further information about Higgins Partnerships please visit www.higginspartnerships.co.uk
