Brentford Car Park Mural Design Unveiled

Artwork by Hixxy centres on the area's waterway connections

Dock Road car park. Picture: Ballymore

The design for the mural on the controversial multi-storey car park has been unveiled.

The work has been commissioned by The Brentford Project to improve the look of the concrete structure which was built without planning permission.

UK-based mural artist , Jo Hicks (professionally known as Hixxy) has created a temporary mural design which will be in situ for up to three years, until more permanent cladding is put in place for the building.

Known for her colourful large-scale murals, Hixxy, the artist behind London Mural Festival’s West Indian Gazette in Ladbroke Grove, says she took her inspiration from Brentford’s canals and waterways for the project. She wanted to seized the opportunity to create a site specific work that aims to inject new colour and character into Brentford’s current streetscape.

The mural includes a range of locally-found plants and wildlife, including marsh marigolds, a weeping willow tree, a kingfisher and a great crested grebe. Fans of Brentford F.C. will also notice a number of ‘Brentford Bees’. Inspired by nearby Syon House, a neoclassical column intertwines with flowers referencing the rich history of the area.

When the intention to paint a mural on the car park was first revealed one local resident said it was ‘like putting lipstick and a pig’.

Planning officers are recommending that the developer Ballymore be given retrospective permission to use the building to provide the temporary parking it is obliged to do under the original planning permission even though it was intended to be at a different site. Eventually the nine-storey car park will provide over 500 parking spaces and the building will include 30 flats.

Dock Road car park. Picture: Ballymore

Hixxy, commented, “I was thrilled to receive the commission from Ballymore to create a piece of artwork for the carpark building in Brentford. My aim was to create a positive, beautiful and uplifting image inspired by the local area, giving a very grey building an injection of colour and life!”

John Mulryan, Group Managing Director at Ballymore, said, “We’re excited to be working with Hixxy on this artwork project. She has fantastic experience in creating interesting and creative murals across the country that speak to their local audiences in a culturally relevant way. Her work on the car park building will enliven the town centre with a new point of interest for residents and locals.”

January 12, 2021