Housing association Catalyst – part of the Peabody Group – and development partner Mount Anvil have installed a unique piece of public art as part of the regeneration of Friary Park estate, inspired by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

The artwork measures 18 metres high and 36 metres wide. Artist Giles Round was appointed to the project to work with residents to look at nature and provide meaningful art during the redevelopment.

Giles and the project team visited Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew [RGB, Kew] with a group of residents where they shared stories of the role trees have played in their lives. The artwork draws on Ealing’s past and present as a place to experience nature while looking forward to the future. With green space at the heart of the redevelopment, Friary Park will enjoy two acres of biodiverse green space, with a series of courtyard gardens, woodland pockets, and an eco-walk, all designed in partnership with RBG Kew.

‘Wrapping’ the construction offices and facilities on the estate, the hand-drawn artwork features trees that residents say spark fond memories including a cypress tree, a magnolia tree in bloom, and a palm tree. One resident spoke of using ylang ylang blossom to give fragrance to their laundry, another spoke of the jungles of West Africa they had played in as a child, others articulated their attachment to the trees at Friary Park now.

The site-wrap has been constructed out of 100 percent recycled material, demonstrating the project team’s commitment to art, enhancing surroundings, and protecting the environment as the regeneration is on track for an almost 36 per cent biodiversity net gain.

As work gets underway to redevelop Friary Park, the Community Arts Strategy is one of the measures being put in place by Catalyst and Mount Anvil to improve the experience of customers living locally. The project is set to deliver 1,228 much-needed new homes. Across the scheme 455 homes will be affordable, 315 of which will be social rent and London affordable rent.

The launch of the wrap marks the first in a series commissioned by curator Rebecca Heald. Friary Park’s Community Arts Strategy involves residents in the development of artworks with a focus on the natural environment. Friary Park’s commitment to arts and culture is further supported by the presence of Creative Land Trust, providing studio space for local artists in the heart of the neighbourhood and creating 60 additional creative jobs.

The art programme is currently focused on the development of a mural for the site. Residents have been learning about the history of murals across London and exploring the meaning of colour in the built environment before writing a brief for an artist. By late 2023, Catalyst will secure a place for a mural at Friary Park in the Acton Mural Trail which includes 23 artworks by international and local artists alike. This will be co-commissioned by residents and underpinned by a series of workshops designed to explore the history and importance of art in public spaces.

Serena Horgan, Head of Development Delivery, at Peabody, said: “Bringing residents into the artistic process and taking inspiration from their personal stories creates art that makes people happy, teaches new skills, and grants a sense of pride from the results. Acton is a fiercely creative hub, and we are so pleased that residents can get involved in arts and culture at Friary Park. Our resident-led Community Arts Strategy epitomises what we do at Catalyst and working with Giles has made a huge difference to the neighbourhood.”