Funds have been secured to make improvements to Netherfield town centre with a new mosaic mural, railings, trees and benches being put in place.
The new mosaic is being unveiled today (18) at Jackie Bells Field and is being installed today to help welcome visitors to the area.
Netherfield will also receive other improvements including new tree planting, new railings and bins, the local initiative aims to encourage more visitors to the park and local shops.
The mosaic has been designed by artist, Anna Dixon, who has worked with local residents to create a mural that reflects the key themes, memories and locations they associate with the area, which has a rich railway heritage. Once a thriving railway town, Netherfield was home to the largest freight concentration yard in Europe, built by the Great Northern Railway in 1875. The yard was used to gather coal traffic from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfields and dispatch it to London.
The mural design is based on the history and the community of Netherfield, and Anna held workshops at Netherfield Primary School to teach school children how to make the mosaic. The artist also led making sessions with local youth groups and several adult workshops were held at St. Georges Centre and the Loco Centre in Netherfield for residents from Gedling borough to get involved in making the colourful mosaic.
Netherfield Ward Councillor Alison Hunt has been closely involved with the project since the start, to engage the local community and is also supporting the Friends of Jackie Bell’s Field working group.
The mosaic mural and town improvements have been funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF).
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “This is a great addition to Netherfield and it has brought the community together to create a piece of art that reflects the rich history of this town.
“We are pleased to see the mosaic installed at Jackie Bells, it adds some wonderful colour to the park. Other parts of the town will also see some improvements, thanks to the funding provided by Government.
We want to celebrate the local heritage and get people back onto our high streets.”
