Changing Places - The Underpass Project
Mill Street Underpass makeover!
Various improvements were made to Beecroft Road Underpass in 2013. The makeover of Beecroft Road Underpass involved the community influencing, designing and creating a piece of public art. This was extremely successful and has transformed the appearance of the underpass.
Due to the success of this project, Mill Street Underpass was identified as an area that needed improving within the town centre. This is the second underpass that leads to the town centre from Morrisons. The underpass had suffered years of neglect, and was in need of a refresh. This project included general maintenance and the creation of a piece of public art. With help from the local community/shoppers/businesses, it is hoped this underpass now reflects the positive ambience of Cannock Town Centre.
The 'Changing Places' initiative is part of a wider Town Centre Improvements Programme, which is continuing to take place across Cannock Chase District.
Mill Street Underpass - Wall A 1
Mill Street Underpass - Wall A 2
Mill Street Underpass - Wall B 1
Mill Street Underpass - Wall B 2
Mill Street Underpass - Wall C 1
Mill Street Underpass - Wall C 2
Mill Street Underpass - Wall D 1
Mill Street Underpass - Wall D 2
Mill Street Underpass - Wall E 1
Mill Street Underpass - Wall E 2
Mill Street Underpass - Wall E 3
Mill Street Underpass - Wall F
Mill Street Underpass - Wall H
Mill Street Underpass - Wall J
Mill Street Underpass - Your Views!
A BIG thank you to all those that took part in the pre-consultation.
We received 154 completed surveys and the results were as follows:
Out of the 154 responses, 146 people commented on whether they felt this project would improve Cannock Town Centre. 88% of those that responded agreed it would improve the town centre.
For the design element, respondents were asked what words or features they would like to see reflected in the underpass artwork. Respondents were given a series of options and the top five included Cannock Chase, industry, military & World War 1 commemorations, landmarks and parks.
The next stage of this project will involve the creation of the design concept for the art piece. This will be based on a 'Now & Then' theme and will provide an opportunity for local artists to showcase their talent. It is hoped an 'art gallery style' will be replicated into the design concept.
Members of the Chase Creative Hub have been approached by WLCT-Community Wellbeing Arts and many have expressed an interest.
Beecroft Road Underpass has been transformed!
As part of the local Town Centre Improvements Scheme, the Council's Communications team and WLCT- Community Wellbeing Arts have been working behind the scenes on an exciting community project to further improve the appearance of Beecroft Road Underpass.
Installation works have now been completed and a piece of public art (designed by Danielle Preston) is now displayed inside and outside the underpass.
This art piece includes a tiled mural that has been designed with the help of local community groups and represents iconic buildings and landmarks within Cannock Town Centre and its surrounding areas. Workshops have taken place involving local children from Moorhill Pre-School and Cannock Library to create various leaf designs. Also students from South Staffordshire College and Chaselea Pupil Referral Unit have taken photographs to be used in the art piece.
This has been produced by Tiled Space using a new technology that is designed to customise tile murals and panels.
In addition to this, Laser Process has created a set of metal artworks that are fixed to the outside of the underpass.
See how the underpass has been transformed!
For more information about this project contact Kate McBey 07971667218 or Lisa Shephard on 07812332964.
Beecroft Road Underpass - Your views!
The project - 'Changing Places' - Beecroft Road Underpass has involved participation from local community groups, businesses and shoppers to design and create this piece of art.
A BIG thank you to all those that took part in the pre-consultation.
We received over 200 completed surveys and the results were as follows:
Over 44% of you use the underpass twice a week with over 19% of you using it less than once a week.
Over 40% of you are most likely to use the underpass in the morning compared to 2% only using it in the evening.
Over 67% of you felt the colour and design are the most important elements to focus on when improving the appearance of the underpass.
40% of you preferred the 'natural and fresh' design option which will include greens and earthy colours. This has formed the theme of the art piece.
Over 64% of you felt the visual improvements to the underpass would make Cannock Town Centre more appealing.
Finally, over 70% of you felt that it was a good approach to involve local community groups in the project.
Last Updated: 25/10/2021
