Stevenage Underpasses

PLACEMAKING | PUBLIC ART | COMMUNITY WORKSHOP

Women in Stevenage mural by artist Molly Hankinson, celebrating the strength and resilience of women through public art.

Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council commissioned Blank Walls to deliver three large-scale public artworks across key underpasses in Stevenage, transforming once-overlooked pedestrian and cycle routes into vibrant, safe and engaging public spaces.

Part of the town’s wider Arts and Heritage Trail, the project aimed to celebrate Stevenage’s identity while encouraging more people to walk and cycle across its 45km network of paths — a cornerstone of the original New Town design.

Working with artists Molly Hankinson, Mr Christa (Nightshift Studio), and Carl Cashman, we curated and managed the delivery of three distinctive murals, each responding to a unique local theme:

  • ‘Celebrating Play, Sports and Leisure’ by @nightshiftstudio
    Chris’ mural captures the movement and energy of local sports and recreation. Through dynamic colour and layered composition, it reflects the rhythm of community life and the new leisure developments nearby.

  • ‘Colour in the Underpass’ by @carlcashman
    Drawing on Stevenage’s historic neighbourhood colour schemes, Carl’s geometric designs reimagine local wayfinding palettes into bold visual rhythms that bring structure and playfulness to the space.

  • ‘Women in Stevenage’ by @mollyhankinson.studio
    Molly’s mural celebrates the stories and resilience of women who have shaped Stevenage, past and present. Her expressive portraiture weaves these narratives into a powerful, inclusive statement of identity and pride.

Each artist worked closely with the local community, schools, and stakeholder groups through consultation and engagement sessions supported by Blank Walls. Insights gathered during these sessions directly influenced the final designs — ensuring the artworks were deeply rooted in local history, place and people.

From design development and artist management to on-site production, Blank Walls provided full project management under the CDM framework. The result is a series of artworks that not only enhance safety and placemaking but also embed art within everyday journeys — enriching the experience for thousands of pedestrians and cyclists every day.

This project forms part of Stevenage’s ongoing regeneration and demonstrates how public art can redefine civic spaces, strengthen community identity, and activate underused infrastructure through creative collaboration.

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Public art mural by Molly Hankinson for Blank Walls in Stevenage, highlighting women’s stories and community identity.
Blank Walls public art commission – Molly Hankinson’s mural celebrating women in Stevenage through bold, character-led storytelling.
Expressive mural portrait by Molly Hankinson as part of the Stevenage Underpass Artworks, curated by Blank Walls.
Community-inspired mural by Molly Hankinson reflecting the history and achievements of women in Stevenage.
Large-scale mural artwork by Molly Hankinson transforming a Stevenage underpass into a celebration of female empowerment.
Mural by Mr Christa celebrating play, sport and leisure in Stevenage for Blank Walls public art programme
Colourful underpass mural by artist Mr Christa, capturing energy and movement inspired by local sports and recreation.
Colour in the Underpass’ mural by Carl Cashman for Blank Walls, inspired by Stevenage’s neighbourhood colour palettes.
Placemaking project by Blank Walls featuring Molly Hankinson’s mural honouring local women who shaped Stevenage’s story.
Public art installation by Blank Walls and Mr Christa bringing vibrancy and placemaking to Stevenage’s cycle network.
Stevenage underpass mural featuring dynamic colour, sport and community-led design.
Public art mural by Carl Cashman featuring bold geometric patterns as part of the Stevenage Underpass Artworks.”