Sutton Coldfield BID transforms utility cabinets into works of art
Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID has taken an imaginative approach to boosting footfall and community pride – by transforming utility cabinets into works of art.
Six previously plain utility cabinets covered in chewing gum and stickers have been transformed into vibrant works of art, each featuring bird species found in nearby Sutton Park, one of Europe’s largest urban parks.
The BID worked with Scenes of Sutton Coldfield Photography Group who chose the birds to be painted.
The project has brought colour, creativity and a sense of place, giving residents and visitors yet another reason to explore Sutton Coldfield town centre.
The initiative was commissioned and funded by Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield Business Improvement District (BID), which is financed entirely by 300 local businesses to support the vitality of the town centre.
Other projects the BID funds include street bunting, farmers markets, food festivals, jazz festivals, Christmas markets, security marshals, planting, litter bins, year round events to boost footfall such as their recent rock climbing event, food and drink guides and business talks from high profile speakers.
Artist Sian Storey was chosen to bring the vision to life, creating striking murals that now form a unique outdoor gallery dotted across the town centre.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with businesses and shoppers praising the project for brightening the streetscape and sparking conversations.
Other towns and councils have already been in touch with the BID, keen to replicate the idea in their own centres.
Michelle Baker, BID manager for Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID, said: “This project is about reimagining our public spaces and giving people fresh reasons to visit Sutton Coldfield town centre.
“By celebrating the natural heritage of Sutton Park through public art, we’ve created something that belongs to the community, funded by the businesses at the heart of our town. The feedback has been amazing – people really notice the difference.”
The artworks are located across Mill Street, Midland Drive, Lichfield Road, Queen Street, South Parade and Duke Street, inviting visitors to spot each piece as part of a walk through the town centre.
This creative initiative adds to the BID’s wider programme of events and improvements designed to make Sutton Coldfield a more vibrant, welcoming and successful town centre.
