The spray paint was out at Sawyers Close recently, as local families expressed their creative skills and helped liven up the wall overlooking the new play area with a community spirit mural.
A group of 18 young people from the local area attended the weekend graffiti workshop organised by Abri and led by local artist Alexis Milne (aka Skool_of_Skoob).
Danielle Welburn, Abri’s Community Development Officer, said: “It’s really important that our community has spaces to enjoy in their own neighbourhood. As we begin building the new homes, we want to make sure everyone feels involved throughout the whole process. It was fantastic to see so many families at the workshop, helping create a vibrant mural that will overlook the play area."
Alexis Milne, the local artist, said: “Working on the Sawyers community spirit mural and workshop with local Windsor families was a great experience. It’s always rewarding to nurture creative talent and potential within young people, especially since I grew up in Windsor. I learnt to spray paint street art murals at Windsor youth club and Windsor Arts Centre. I value the support I received, so it’s great to give back through the project."
The workshop followed the recent opening of the new play area and community space – delivered by housing provider, Abri, and developer, The Hill Group, - as part of the redevelopment of Sawyers Close.
Abri is eager to explore more creative ways to engage with the community as it moves forward with its regeneration plans, such as working with local young people to produce art to go on the temporary board fence around the development site.
The redevelopment of Sawyers Close in Windsor will see the existing buildings replaced with 413 high-quality affordable homes, both on the existing site and on open space adjacent, transferred to Abri by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. Construction is expected to commence in early 2025, with the first new homes expected by 2026.