Excitement as first striking mural 'Northern' unveiled at the former BHS site on Fishergate in Preston

A major new public art initiative funded by Preston City Council and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is transforming Preston's streetscape, with the first striking mural, Northern, unveiled at the former BHS site on Fishergate.

The project will see six large-scale murals created across prominent locations in the city, transforming vacant walls and buildings into striking pieces of public art.

The murals have been designed around the shared themes of Lancashire and connectivity, celebrating the county's heritage, communities and links between people and place.

The artworks are being created by local artists Dave Robinson and Shawn Sharpe, whose collaborative designs aim to create a visually engaging trail through the city centre, making use of disused or forgotten spaces.

The street art trail will be prominent around the city centre with locations on Fishergate, Friargate, Lune Street, Lancaster Road, and The Flag Market. The full collection of murals is expected to be completed this summer, adding to an impressive art trail in the city that residents and visitors can explore. Once all the murals are complete, the Mayor of Preston will officially launch the new mural to Preston art trail.

This project is a creative way of dressing empty shops and premises in the city centre, to improve the look and feel of the high-street. Private landlords have come on board to support the project and provided permission for the artwork to be installed on their premises. It is hoped the new artwork will encourage other landlords to work with the Council and partners to improve the look of their shops and give the city centre a boost.

Councillor Hindle, Cabinet Member of Culture and Arts at Preston City Council said: “These murals are a fantastic addition to Preston city centre, celebrating our Lancashire heritage while creating wonderful bright, artistic spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy.

“It’s great to see local artists bringing creativity and character to the city through this exciting new trail.

“By providing a vibrant looking city centre, we hope to attract visitors and new businesses and make steps to reduce anti-social behaviour.”

Mark Whittle at Preston BID, added: “These exciting additions to the city’s public art trail are a great example of collaboration helping to transform aspects of the city centre, creating more attractive spaces that people want to spend time in.

“The support from local artists, landlords, businesses and partners shows what can be achieved when we work together with a shared ambition to make Preston a more welcoming place.

“We hope that these pieces of art become landmarks in their own right, until more permanent uses are identified for the sites, inspiring further investment and improvements across our high streets.”