Transforming Biggleswade: From a Neglected Space to a Shared Artwork
Project Impact
24
Social Engagement:
Delivering 24 hours Co-Design, Installation, Unveiling & discussions.
186+
Participants
Engaging 27 community members on 27th Sept, 58 people attended the unveiling, 50 people spoke at the market stall, 50+ residents shared their opinions & 1 person engaged in a 1:1 chat (the Chair of the Biggleswade History Society).
11
Months
Timeline July - May 2026:
1 Market Stall 26th July
1-2-1 Consultations with community groups
1 Co-Design Workshop - 27th September 2025
1 Morning installation
1 Unveiling celebration - 2nd May 2026
2
Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panelsMurals
Sizes:
Wall 1: 18.86 Squared Metre
Wall 2: 18.86 Squared Metre
Before and After
BEFORE
AFTER
Partners
Progression Video
Our Impact
97%
Confidence & Creative Expression
Enjoyed expressing themselves through art
93%
Wellbeing & Emotional Connection
Said the workshops made them feel happy and relaxed
99%
Connection & Belonging
Felt proud of their shared mural
100%
Delivery Success
Delivered on time and on budget
The Story
1
Exploring Ideas & Community Heritage
On September 27th, 2025, 27 community members attended a major co-design workshop to explore local history, share ideas, and learn new artistic skills. On 26th July 2025, 50+ community members discussed ideas they wanted to see on our co-designed mural.
2
Co-Creating
the Design
The community's drawings and stories were brought together by Rose Hill to design two striking 16-metre Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) panels. By actively involving residents, the project aimed to replace a neglected, graffiti-tagged station wall with an artwork deeply rooted in local pride and shared identity
3
Bringing it
to Life
On May 2nd, 2026, 58 people gathered for a joyful celebration to unveil the final murals, one at the station and a second added-value mural at Franklin’s Park. The result is more than just a visual improvement; it is a lasting symbol of community ownership that fosters connection and deters future vandalism
Gallery
Fun Question Answers
35
How Many Coins are in this Artwork?
Panel 1: 4 coins
Panel 2: 5 coins
Panel 3: 7 coins
Panel 4: 10 coins
Panel 5: 3 coins
Panel 6: 6 coins
Total: 35 coins
Yes
Can you spot the black cat?
The black cat is on panel 6 next to the notice board on the left hand side
51
How Many Butterflies are in this Artwork?
Panel 1: 10 butterflies
Panel 2: 9 butterflies
Panel 3: 7 butterflies
Panel 4: 11 butterflies
Panel 5: 6 butterflies
Panel 6: 8 butterflies
Total: 51 butterflies
64
How Many Bees are in this Artwork?
Panel 1: 14 bees
Panel 2: 7 bees
Panel 3: 11 bees
Panel 4: 8 bees
Panel 5: 13 bees
Panel 6: 11 bees
Total: 64 Bees
About Our Design
Visions of Biggleswade: A Community Mural Collaboration:
This artwork is a beautiful patchwork of local history, nature, and community spirit, created through the ideas and artistic contributions of our residents. Below is a guide to the design elements and the wonderful community members who brought this mural to life.
Overall Composition and Vision:
The composition of the artwork was inspired by Nicky's drawings and ideas, which integrated key local themes like the Rail 200 text, the Biggleswade train line, the East Coast Mainline, the Dan Albone tractor, and the black cat.
The Railway & Local History At the heart of the mural is our rich transportation history:
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Colin contributed drawings of historic trains, specifically the "Hurricane" and "Locomotion No.1".
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George and Ginny (his mum) drew a classic steam train.
Community Gardens & The Swiss Garden A major focus of the mural is the town's lush green spaces and allotments:
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Vicki wanted to ensure the famous Swiss Garden ceiling was included in a way that worked with everyone's designs.
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Rhi provided ideas, photos, and a map of the community garden, flowers, and allotments, which helped tie the varying drawing styles together.
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Maria collaborated with the Biggleswade Community Gardens to create steam train and Green wheel drawings, as well as an additional nature drawing.
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Carol specifically requested the inclusion of The Community Garden, sunflowers, cows, and butterflies.
Nature, Landscapes & Landmarks The mural heavily features the local environment and notable landmarks:
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Charlotte requested the wind farm, and her poppy drawings were included as a tribute for Remembrance Day.
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Marcus also drew the wind farm and contributed his "Welcome to Biggleswade" poster to the design.
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Summer drew the local market, rolling hills, sunflowers, butterflies, bees and cows.
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Carrie drew a striking Red kite
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Sean added a cow drawing.
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Chris advocated for a strong presence of nature throughout the piece.
Community Culture & Spirit:
The diverse interests and culture of Biggleswade shine through thanks to several key contributors.
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Rita and Michael's drawing of Rita to highlight vision impairment and include diversity in the artwork.
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Suzanne wanted the mural to reflect a vibrant, inclusive community by featuring Biggleswade Pride, LGBTQIA2S+ representation, windmills, the market, the community garden, and the Green wheel.
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Daniel and Gary both championed the inclusion of the local Green wheel.
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Fraser and Lex requested that Biggleswade's music scene be represented.
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Alex added an urban edge with graffiti-style art.
Special Contributions:
The mural is filled with additional beautiful details, including seeds, bees, parks, flowers, and vegetables, thanks to the wonderful drawing contributions of Summer, Seraphina and Freddie.
About the Facilitating Artist:
Rose Hill This collaborative project was guided and brought to life by artist Rose Hill, who helped weave the community’s diverse ideas into a single, cohesive mural. Alongside helping to integrate everyone's contributions, Rose added several key elements in her signature illustrative style. Her hand-drawn additions include the modern Thameslink train, the historical Biggleswade train station decorated with Brussels sprouts and carrots to celebrate the first day local produce was taken by train to London, and the "wonky shed" which beautifully incorporated Vicki's request for the Swiss Garden ceiling pattern. To frame the entire piece, Rose also designed the two sets of notice boards dedicated to History and the Community Gardens that anchor each end of the mural.
Testimony
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"Thank you Rose for delivering a beautiful mural for Biggleswade. Biggleswade Community Gardens commissioned a mural for the train station to celebrate 200 years of the railway and 175 years of Biggleswade station and our connection to market gardening history. We wanted a community driven mural to celebrate Biggleswade and brighten up our town, and it wasn’t easy negotiating with all the relevant partners and ensuring it was truly community driven, however Rose was able to step in and sort everything from the train companies to leading a workshop where everyone had a chance to submit their ideas.
Seeing the kids’ faces at the mural unveiling as they spotted their artwork was brilliant! Really heart warming, life-affirming work and it turned out so much better than we expected!"
"This project has been about more than just creating a mural. It has brought the community together to celebrate Railway 200 and how Biggleswade prospered as a market town when its train station was built.
Artist Rose Hill weaved her distinctive patterns into beloved Biggleswade icons and created a ‘gateway’ to the station: giving visitors a glimpse of the town and its surroundings; welcoming commuters home.
The East Coast Line passes through Biggleswade station, linking London to the north of England, creating a direct link between Biggleswade and the birthplace of passenger rail travel, on the Stockton & Darlington track. This momentous event is celebrated in the mural, alongside images of modern day Biggleswade, as suggested by local people...
My day is brightened when I walk past Rose’s colourful mural, such a wonderful tribute to Biggleswade. A permanent narrative of Biggleswade and its connection to Railway 200."
Work with Us
Every community has a story to tell!
Let’s create yours together!
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