Southall is set for a vibrant transformation this spring, with six key locations across the town chosen for new murals, sculptures, and creative public artworks.

The initiative, known as the Destination Southall public art project, is being led by Ealing Council and funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The project aims to highlight Southall’s rich history, multicultural character, and strong sense of community, while enhancing the appearance and atmosphere of public spaces.

Artists involved in the programme are already collaborating with local schools, community organisations, creatives, and residents to ensure the artwork reflects the voices and experiences of people who live and work in Southall.

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One of the focal points of the project is the South Road bridge outside Southall Station, which will be redesigned to create a more welcoming arrival point for visitors. While the final design has yet to be confirmed, the artwork will draw on local heritage and the diversity of the community.

Other sites selected for the installations include:

• Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge (two separate artworks)
• Hayes Gateway Bridge on Southall Broadway
• Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge
• The courtyard of the Dominion Centre and Library
• Pavements and additional community spaces across the town

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Artists were invited to submit proposals that showcased their vision for telling Southall’s story and demonstrated how local residents would be involved in shaping and creating the artworks.

Seven artists were chosen by a selection panel made up of council representatives and members of community organisations, including Southall Community Alliance, Southall Black Sisters, Southall Young Adult Centre, Open Southall, and Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery.

The selected artists and their projects include:

• Haffendi Anuar – A layered sculptural mural at the Dominion Centre and Library, inspired by shadow puppet theatre and shaped by community input. The installation will also include seating for rest and reflection.
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• Prem Sahib – A work inspired by cinema seating that reflects Southall’s social spaces and cinematic history. The final location will be decided with community involvement.
• TK Hay – Miniature three-dimensional models reimagining Southall’s landmarks, to be displayed on Hayes Gateway Bridge.
• Pablo Thomas (BUHO Studios) – Transformation of the Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge into a public gallery featuring 13 painted artworks, each representing a key moment in Southall’s history. Animated versions will be accessible via QR codes.
• Gurdish Haugsdal – A mural on the Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge featuring painted portraits and stories of local residents, celebrating migration and future aspirations.
• Raj Dhunna – Illustrated portraits of notable residents, community leaders, and young people at the entrances of the Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge, capturing the energy and warmth of Southall.
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• Shirin Naveed – Functional street furniture inspired by the traditional Punjabi manji, to be installed outside 118–122 The Broadway and co-designed with residents to reflect Southall’s musical heritage.

In addition, JG Contemporary Art, an Ealing-based studio, has been appointed to produce a large-scale mural for the South Road Overbridge at Southall Station, celebrating the area’s vibrant cultural identity.

Council leader Peter Mason said:

“This is a powerful way to celebrate what makes Southall truly special – its people, diversity and community spirit. It’s about more than making bridges, pavements and public spaces look attractive and inviting. Public art builds a sense of pride for people who live and work in the area and boosts the local economy through extra visitors who come to enjoy it.”

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Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities, said:

“There’s a real sense of excitement to see the plans taking shape. We want this to be powered by people in Southall with schools, community groups and residents shaping the ideas and helping to make it happen so that art feels that it really represents their voices and stories."

“We’re inviting people to come along to a community engagement event at the Dominion Centre on Saturday 17 January to learn more about the project, how they can get involved and have a say on what they want to see.”

Residents will have the opportunity to meet the artists, take part in creative workshops, and share ideas at the Destination Southall community launch day, taking place at the Dominion Centre and Library, The Green, from 1pm to 9pm.