Project background
Pride in Bruce Grove is part of a broader programme to celebrate the identity of Bruce Grove and improve it as a place to live, work, shop and visit. The project's aims were to:
- activate underused public spaces in the alleyways that branch off the High Road, to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to stop and play
- enhance the pedestrian experience, for example by providing artworks for crossings which help to calm traffic or murals that reflect the creativity, diversity and identity of Bruce Grove
- install creative signposting that helps people find their way around the area and raises awareness of local cultural assets
- improve environmental quality, through creative interventions that may:
- improve air quality
- add greenery
- raise awareness of environmental issues around Bruce Grove Town Centre
We appointed designers Office S&M to work with the local community, makers and artists to design and deliver 3 artistic installations.
We worked collaboratively with over 300 residents, businesses and local community groups to select sites and design each installation. A walking tour took place with local residents, Bruce Grove Youth Space and collaborators to celebrate the completion of the project in July 2023.
See the Pride in Bruce Grove Commonplace site to find out more about how the project was undertaken with the local community.
The installations
The project's aim is to enliven public spaces in the town centre with 3 artistic installations at Bruce Grove Bridge, Holcombe Road and Scotland Green Alleyway.
Bruce Grove bridge mosaic
A glass-tiled mosaic under the railway bridge that celebrates Bruce Grove's places, people, rich history and stories.
Watch a short video showing how it was created:
Holcombe Road mural
A colourful mural on Holcombe Road based on artwork produced by young people from Bruce Grove Youth Space, whose names are displayed.
Local artists Anna Nicola and Matt Dosa led the installation of the mural and were helped by 19 local residents ranging in age from under 5 to over 65.
Alleyway in Scotland Green
The alleyway in Scotland Green design features artistic wayfinding and lamp posts that direct people to local green spaces and reference local historical legacies, including mulberry trees and the 'namer of cloud, Luke Howard.
Gobo lighting projects a pattern onto the floor at night resembling the River Moselle that runs under the site.
