The passageway has suffered in recent years from graffiti, poor lighting and concerns around anti-social behaviour according to the organisation behind its revitalisation
Experience Guildford is leading the project thanks to funding from Surrey County Council and Guildford Borough Council(Image: Vida Ragbir)
Work has begun to transform a well-known Guildford passageway. The aim of the project is to make the passage more welcoming for visitors, and will see its walls adorned colourful murals created by local street artists.
Friary Passage has suffered from graffiti, poor lighting and concerns around anti-social behaviour in recent years according to the organisation spearheading its transformation, Experience Guildford.
The town’s business improvement district believe this has led the passageway from the River Wey to North Street to be “avoided” by many people.
In an effort to attract its usage, Experience Guildford secured funding through Surrey County Council’s Your Fund Surrey programme allowing them to hire local artists to create a series of “vibrant” murals and public art displays along the passage’s walls.
The 50 metre passageway was built alongside the Friary Shopping Centre throughout the 1970s, and opened in November 1980. It has remained a central pedestrian link which connects North Street and the shopping centre to the River Wey at Millbrook.
The entrance to the passage is based in a central location in the town, just off Magic Circle, which has led it to become a popular place for street performers.
One of these reportedly, was famous singer and actor Michael Ball OBE who told the Guardian in 2020 that his first time singing in public was in town while he was at university. With a spot around the passage being described as one of his favourites.
Now though, Friary Passage will be getting a fresh, “vibrant” lick of paint. Experience Guildford will be working with local street artist Roo, known for her artwork on the former-Old Orleans restaurant building as well as just over the river on the Walnut Tree bridge.
The revitalisation promises a diverse range of artistic styles and creative approaches, helping to celebrate Guildford’s vibrant cultural and creative community. The passageway will remain closed during the work.
Celebrating the project, CEO of Experience Guildford, Amanda Masters said: “We are delighted to see this project finally come to life. It has taken a significant amount of time to identify ownership of the passageway, secure funding and bring together the right partners to make this happen.
“Public art has the power to transform spaces, and we hope this project will create a cleaner, safer and more welcoming environment for everyone who uses the passage. It will also showcase the incredible creative talent we have here in Guildford.”
Of the artworks set to be created, lead-artist Roo is set to host workshops with members of Guildford’s Ukrainian community with the goal of bringing a “unique Guildford-inspired” artwork to the riverside end of the passage.
The initiative is a collaboration between Experience Guildford, Guildford Borough Council, Surrey County Council, local artists and members of Guildford’s Ukrainian community.
Guildford Borough Council has also provided funding to support the creation of the Ukrainian community artwork within the project.
The project, which began at the start of June, comes alongside a number of regeneration schemes underway in the town centre, which have been described by the council as “once in a generation”.
Including the North Street regeneration project, former-Debenhams to St Mary’s Wharf and the train station redevelopment.
Amanda Masters, CEO of the town’s business improvement district continued: “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when organisations, local government, artists and community groups work together towards a shared goal.
“We’d like to thank Guildford Borough Council for supporting the collaboration with the Ukrainian community, Councillor Catherine Houston for sponsoring the funding application, and everyone involved in helping bring this vision to life.”
Cllr Vanessa King, Guildford Borough Council Lead Councillor for Economy and Place, said: “We are excited to be supporting Experience Guildford’s plans for Friary Passage and to see the positive difference they will make to our town centre.
“People use this route every day, so improving how it looks and feels will go a long way towards creating a more welcoming link into the town centre and towards our local businesses.
“We can’t wait to see the new artwork unveiled. Replacing the existing graffiti with work by professional street artists, alongside our art project with members of Guildford’s Ukrainian community, will bring fresh energy to the space and better reflect the people and culture of Guildford.
“It’s a great example of local organisations working together to improve shared spaces and support the wider regeneration of the town centre.”