Mural plan to transform 'eyesore' car park wall

The artwork would be painted on a wall at the Station Parade car park

Plans have been put forward to paint a large mural on a "eyesore" wall in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Council hopes the artwork, which would cost between £15,000 and £20,000, would brighten up the Station Parade car park in the town centre.

A report said the existing wall "contributes negatively" to the area at present and a new mural could "transform the neglected space".

An application for funding from the Harrogate and Knaresborough Area Constituency Committee was rejected at a meeting earlier, but the council said it was working to find alternative ways to fund the project.

The mural would be situated adjacent to the £11.2m Station Gateway project, which is set to be built next year to make Harrogate's railway and bus stations more accessible, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

No design has been drawn up yet but, according to the report, the “visually striking” mural would “reflect the unique character, history, and spirit” of Harrogate.

The report added that currently the wall offers a negative view to visitors to Harrogate and is an eyesore.

If the artwork is commissioned the council hopes it could become a visitor attraction for tourists.

The report said: “A public art project in a form of mural will transform this neglected space into a vibrant area, improving the overall visual appeal.”

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