Bedford Underpass Gets a Bright New Look From Artists and Young People

A once-neglected underpass in the heart of Bedford town centre has been transformed into a vibrant mural celebrating creativity, resilience and community. The mural, unveiled on Sunday 13 April 2025, now brightens the pedestrian route between The Embankment and Aspects Leisure Park — a space that for years had been prone to flooding, vandalism, and poor lighting.

The newly refurbished underpass, upgraded by Bedford Borough Council with improved lighting and drainage, has now become a canvas for a bold new public artwork. The mural was commissioned by the council and delivered by Bedford Creative Arts (BCA), in collaboration with local professional artists and young people from the community.

“It’s the first time I’ve passed it and it looks amazing. I can’t wait to see it finished. Can you do the rest of the town?!” passer-by Valerie Bailey told the painting team.
Valerie Bailey, passer-by

At the heart of the project is a story of participation and empowerment. Sarah Harrison, a Bedford-based artist, was invited by BCA to lead a series of design workshops with children and young people supported by the Bedfordshire Youth Offending Service. The group explored themes of identity, social stigma, and finding light in dark times. Their conversations – which touched on personal experiences, poetry and music, laid the foundation for the mural’s uplifting design.

“The young people spoke with Sarah for some time about their experiences of Bedford town centre. They discussed the biases that exist around those who may be at risk of ‘taking the wrong path,’ and the need for light and guidance. That inspired a design that symbolises the journey from darkness to light.”
Pat Jennings, Manager of the Youth Offending Service.

Local artist Paige Denham joined the project to develop and deliver the final design, drawing directly from the young people’s input. With support from artist Alison Goodyear, Paige worked alongside volunteers to bring the mural to life during five intensive days of painting from 9-13th April 2025.

The finished work now stretches across the underpass walls, entryways and ceiling — a complete transformation of the space. The mural was painted with the help of young people from the Youth Offending Service, children from Castle Newnham School, and local families. Bedford Borough Councillors, BCA staff and community volunteers all rolled up their sleeves to contribute.

The project was supported by ward funds from Councillors Lucy Bywater, Paul Edmonds and Hilde Hendrickx, along with a grant from the Safer Bedfordshire Community Fund, managed by the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation (BLCF).

“It’s an amazing and cheerful design that really brightens the underpass and makes the experience of using it so much more joyful than before,” said Cllr Lucy Bywater. “We’re really pleased with the engineering work to fix the long-term leak and provide the new, better lighting. The artists, young people and children have done an amazing job — we hope this will lift spirits for years to come.”
Cllr Lucy Bywater

Cllr Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture, added:
“This new mural is a fantastic example of how art can transform public spaces and bring communities together. The collaboration between professional artists, local young people, and volunteers has resulted in a vibrant and uplifting design that symbolises hope and positivity.”
Cllr Sarah Gallagher, Portfolio Holder for Customer Experience, Leisure and Culture

The mural is located at what3words reference: gallons.punchy.nature – a new landmark for Bedford residents and visitors alike.