Colourful new mural to brighten up dreary Glasgow underpass thanks to Govan community

Burghead Place underpass in Govan is now bright, attractive and interesting thanks to work by the local community. Emblazoned with colourful community-inspired public art, the underpass has been given a massive make-over.

Its transformation was brought about by a partnership project involving SWG3, Yardworks, Glasgow City Council, pupils from Govan High School, Govan Scouts and Beavers, Gilded Lily Creative Womens Group, Govan residents and Maslow Community Hub. 

Glasgow City Council repaired lights, painted railings and supplied paint for the project. The stunning new design highlights Govan’s heritage including ship-building and the Govan Stones as well as positive messaging about social unity and kindness and images of wildlife and birds.

The artist, Ursula Kim-Ling Cheng, consulted widely with the local community on ideas for the huge public artwork which highlights what it is a like living in Govan.

And pupils from Govan High School enjoyed taking part in the project.

Teacher Evie Cooper said: "Collaborating with local artists provided our students at Govan High with the opportunity to engage in positive and meaningful community artwork.

"The students developed a strong sense of ownership and pride in their contributions by seeing their work featured at the Burghead Underpass. This initiative has been a fantastic opportunity to cultivate a positive connection to their environment, acquire new practical skills, and collaborate with Glasgow artists."

Laura Frood of SWG3 said: “It’s been so lovely to see this project come to life after a long time in the planning, we are really happy with how the community have responded to the art work and feedback on the street and online has been positive. We love working with the communities in Govan- its people are really what makes it such a vibrant place. We look forward to continuing to build relationships in the years to come. 

"Over the long six week install, the artists and installation team chatted with local people and gained more insight into the kind of art they might like to see in other spaces, young people would come down and share their sketches with the artists and it just goes to show what a creative community Govan is."

Councillor Laura Doherty, Glasgow’s Convener for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: “The community designed mural is amazing. It reflects the heritage of Govan and is really bright, uplifting and eye-catching.

“Everyone involved in the project, from the community consultation to the design work and painting should be really proud of their achievements.

“I’m sure it will be a treasured local landmark for years to come.”