The aim of #OurSouthall is to begin to change the face of Southall thus making it safe, attractive, inspiring and uplifting for all and encouraging greater awareness, usage and benefits of the Canal network.
We want to unify the approach to Southall, providing infrastructure, (clean streets) and spaces that reflect the underlying beauty and diversity of Southall.
Before our work, this site was overgrown, inaccessible, unsafe, filled with rubbish, drug needles, human excrement, makeshift beds etc.
This is phase three of a community-led project to transform a derelict entrance to the Grand Union Canal, Southall. It is the intention to make the pathway usable again for all residents and visitors to the area; to promote the Canal's use for pleasure, exercise, environmental education and recreation.
We will commission a work of art selected through a competition. whilst creating volunteering opportunities for residents to help maintain with local stakeholders the project area.
What we'll deliver:
- Run a competition to select a work of art primarily focused in the local community
- Commission an artist to deliver the mural
- Work alongside Partnering organisations to deliver the landscaping.
- Collaboration with the Canal and Rivers Trust
- invite the community to the unveiling event with speakers on the history and Eco-system of the Grand Union Canal.
Why it's a great idea:
Southall is in desperate need of uplift and regeneration. This area has been neglected for years and has attracted much anti-social behaviour including drug dealing, arson and criminal damage.
The community for many years has not been able to enjoy the usage and pleasure of walking, cycling, running, connecting to nature which is critical to wellbeing, something that the Grand Union Canal has to offer. We want to change that with help from the local Police Cadets and other voluntarty orgnisations.
We believe that Art is a very important part of this goal. That it has the power to make people feel happy. People are happy when they live in an environment that inspires happiness and when people are happy they fulfil their potential.
We have carried out three community cleanup and preparation events of the site, ready for this final stage. The improvements will see increased usage of the canal leading to The Broadway, opening the area to a wider audience.
Steps to get it done:
- Running the competition to select the Artwork for the Mural
- Commision an experienced street/mural artist to paint the mural
- Carry out a launch/unveiling party for everyone.
Southall is a beautiful, unique, multicultural and vibrant area, with the most significant historical architecture and engineering. It is a living embodiment of harmony within difference.
The Grand Union Canal is a major boating thoroughfare running from the North to South of England. Southall should be a pleasant place for boaters and locals to enjoy. Currently not the case and whislt surrounding nearby areas are in better shape its felt that Southall for wahtever reason has not benefited to the same extent, something which this project is looming to change.
