Coldean Lane Underpass
The Aquifer Partnership (TAP), SNUB23 and I are thrilled to announce the completion of the Coldean Lane underpass project. This vibrant mural has transformed the underpass into a beautiful space celebrating the Brighton Chalk Block Aquifer, the source of water for everyone in the city and beyond. The project was commissioned by TAP and brought to life by myself “Sprite” and SNUB23.
The mural is for the community, by the community. After learning all about the aquifer students from Moulsecoomb Primary School created the mural design, while over 60 community members and students from Brighton Aldridge Community Academy assisted with painting the mural. Not to mention the countless commuters lending their support with words of encouragement throughout the painting process.
The aquifer is a hidden treasure which over 400,000 people in Brighton, Hove, and Lewes rely on for water, everything from the garden hose to the tap, it all comes from the aquifer. The Coldean Lane aquifer mural takes commuters on a journey through the aquifer, highlighting its importance. It demonstrates threats from pollution in our towns and showcases natural rainscapes which can help cut urban pollution and preserve this resource for generations to come. By using art to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our water resources, we can inspire people to take action and positively impact the environment.
The mural transforms the underpass into a vibrant walkway with many hidden design details to keep commuters engaged. These details include a close-up look at the microscopic skeletons that make up the chalk and intricate patterns that reflect the beauty of nature and hide words in them as well!
The Coldean Lane Underpass mural is a precursor to the Wild Park Rainscape, a large-scale showcase TAP scheme, which will be the first of its kind in the area and will receive research funding from UNESCO. The mural connects TAP projects and brings to life the underground water world that we rarely see.
“It was a pleasure to be part of this fantastic project with The Aquifer Partnership. This job was especially important to us as it allowed us the chance to educate children in the local community about the importance of protecting the environment we live in, and the value of art in culture and education. From start to finish this project was so fulfilling. It was brilliant to see all the positivity radiating from the people who watched the painting at the underpass develop as well as discuss its meaning and the significance of its message. We hope we have left a mark that the community can feel proud of.”
“This project is fantastic! It’s all about our aquifer; the vital source of water that sustains our homes, businesses, and environment.
This beautiful mural was created by the students at Moulsecoomb Primary School, who learned about the aquifer and its importance in our daily lives
Already we’ve had such positive feedback on brightening up the underpass. We’re also delighted that students from BACA were involved to help paint.
The mural complements The Aquifer Partnership’s existing and future projects in the area; our flagship rain garden at Moulsecoomb Primary School and the newly created rainscape at Carden Primary School. We hope that together, these efforts will inspire the community to appreciate and cherish our aquifer - after all, it’s the water we rely on!”
“The kids love showing me their favourite bit from each day. We love the colours and how it stands out. It makes us stop and read the words and we’ve learnt about the aquifer.”
