Residents’ artwork on display in Townhill Park

In fact, many of the mosaics designed by local people now feature on new road signs that were recently fitted by our principal contractor Balfour Beatty as part of the local highway improvements.

Southampton-based artist Will Rosie worked with Townhill Park residents to create a series of nature-themed mosaics featuring flowers, birds and animals common to the local area. When coronavirus restrictions were introduced earlier this year, the project continued remotely, with residents exchanging advice and support via WhatsApp so they could continue to design and produce their mosaics at home.

The result is a 60-mosaic trail completely unique to the Townhill Park and Harefield areas. Why not walk the trail yourself and see if you can spot all 60 mosaics? A map showing the locations is available online.

The artwork was commissioned by SO18 Big Local a resident-led community project that aims to make a lasting positive difference to Harefield, Midanbury and Townhill Park

Local resident and Chair of the SO18 Big Local community group, Kim Ayling designed a fox mosaic which now takes pride of place on the new road sign at Meggeson Avenue. Kim said: “The project has been a labour of love for everyone involved. My mosaic depicts a fox who I often spot from my kitchen window so I’m really proud to have it displayed in such a prominent place. We are so grateful to the council and Balfour Beatty for supporting our project and the great work they’re doing to make Townhill Park an even better place to live.”

As part of the major regeneration programme in Townhill Park we have already delivered 56 new affordable homes and have plans to develop over 600 more by 2027. Other local improvements include traffic-calming measures at Meggeson Avenue (which are almost complete) and future plans for a new Village Green. Working in collaboration with SO18 Big Local, local residents are fully involved with the programme and the transformation of their neighbourhood.