Artists race to complete mural for bridge opening

TWO top street artists are racing against time to complete a vast artwork in time for the weekend opening of a spectacular new bridge in Erewash.

One of them is design wizard Neil Keating – who shot to fame by painting Liverpool’s official 2023 Eurovision mural. Neil, 46, launched a collaboration with talented Derbyshire artist Elle Koziupa, 23, after he won a borough council commission to transform the entire rear wall of a canal side factory building so it can form a backdrop to the bridge.

The pair have come up with an eye-popping concept that merges Elle’s amazing photo-realism with Neil’s signature graphic style. Elle’s section of the huge Long Eaton mural depicts a woman lace worker – in tribute to one of the industries on which the town was built.

Neil’s contribution features stylised representations of machinery and includes references to the Erewash Canal.

The two artists have had to use scaffolding – which will be removed from the Sankey Upholstery building hours before the new West Park Bridge opens to the public from 2pm on Saturday (19 September). It means that sightseers will not only be wowed by the sweepingly curved crossing and its soaring arch but will get their first glimpse of the amazing mural.

The pedestrian and cycle bridge at Broad Street is being hailed by Erewash council leader James Dawson as a “truly magnificent” new landmark. It links Long Eaton’s centre to the town’s much-loved West Park – and replaces a metal crossing that had stood for around a century but was in a sorry state as it neared the end of its lifespan. Construction of the new bridge began last November – with its arch being craned into place four months ago. The project has cost  £4.2million, which includes a new waterfront so people can relax and enjoy the Erewash Canal.

Funding has come from the government thanks to £25million that the council clinched under the Long Eaton Town Deal – which is regeneration investment that has been pouring in for a string of showcase projects.

The mural is part of the council’s own public art initiative. A total of £100,000 has been earmarked to elevate the urban environment using money from the authority’s recently launched £6.5million Erewash Investment Fund.

The West Park Bridge artwork comes after the owners of the building agreed to it – and is just the latest to be produced by graphic design ace Neil, who has been hard at work in places such as Kirk Hallam and Petersham.

Cllr Mark Alfrey, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, explained that official street art is “not just about brightening up walls”. He said: “It breathes life into urban areas, bringing communities together and creating a sense of belonging and pride. This sense of place runs through all of Neil’s work. He has shown street art is no longer about graffiti on a wall – but offers revitalisation, creativity, community engagement and cultural relevance.”

The Met Office is forecasting fine weather for Saturday events that have been lined up in West Park from 2pm to celebrate the new bridge’s official opening. Cricketers will be taking part in a friendly match next to the canal – and a team of children’s entertainers will greet families at the park playground.

The Mayor will be hosting DJs from Erewash Sound plus family friendly live music on the park bandstand from 4pm. A finale starting at 6pm will feature the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band.