York's St Helen’s Square Transformed by Community Volunteers and New Artwork

St Helen’s Square in York has received a vibrant makeover thanks to dedicated volunteers and the installation of new public artwork. This transformation was part of a recent initiative called Rejuvenation Days, organised by York BID, which aims to enhance the look and feel of the city centre. Over 100 community members came together to make a difference, showcasing the power of teamwork and local spirit.

Volunteer Efforts Shine

Over two days, nearly 100 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to clean and repaint various street furniture in St Helen’s Square and its surroundings. This included bike racks, benches, and bollards, all of which contribute to the everyday experience of those who live, work, or visit York.

Local residents and businesses, such as Portakabin, Hilton York, Trustmarque, GMI Construction, and Nestle, joined forces to support this community effort.

Carl Alsop, Operations Manager at York BID, expressed his appreciation for the volunteers:

“We’re always blown away by how willing people are to support our Rejuvenation Days and help make a visible difference to the city centre. This latest series has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved through partnership working.”

The Rejuvenation Days were made possible thanks to sponsorship from Portakabin, which emphasises the importance of community involvement. Tabatha Hurst, Head of Sustainability at Portakabin, noted:

“Having a positive community impact is really important to us here at Portakabin. We encourage all of our employees to use their annual volunteering days to make a difference to their local area.”

New Public Artwork Installed

Along with the volunteer-led refresh, a stunning new artwork titled “What We’re Made Of” has been installed throughout the square. This project was a collaboration between York-based design agency United by Design and poet Kitty Greenbrown. It features a poem that celebrates the essence of York through poetry, typography, colour, and symbolism, displayed across 14 electrical cabinets and bins. The artwork aims to highlight both well-known and overlooked aspects of the city, inviting people to explore and appreciate the rich tapestry of York’s culture. Each installation comes with a QR code, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the inspiration and meaning behind the poem.

Owen Turner, Managing Director and Creative Director at United by Design, shared his excitement about the project:

“The opportunity to create a love letter to York, one that residents and visitors can encounter, explore and enjoy as they move through the city, was irresistible.”

He explained that the project seeks to celebrate not only the landmarks but also the smaller details that contribute to York’s unique character.

The Poetic Touch

Kitty Greenbrown, the poet behind the project, expressed her passion for capturing the essence of York in her work:

“York is a city of remarkable stories, but its character also lives in the spaces between them.”

“The poem embraces some of the things York is known and loved for, while making room for the less obvious qualities that give the city its texture, humour, and humanity.”

The artwork aligns with York BID's Outside the Box project, which aims to transform worn-out street furniture into vibrant pieces of digital art. This initiative not only beautifies the city but also reinforces York’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Media Arts, showcasing its creative spirit.

Community Engagement and Future Plans

The recent changes to St Helen’s Square are part of York BID’s ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant city centre for everyone. The Rejuvenation Days and the new public artwork are clear examples of how community engagement can lead to meaningful improvements in local spaces. Residents and visitors can look forward to more initiatives like this, which not only enhance the visual appeal of York but also foster a sense of community pride and involvement. The Rejuvenation Days are a testament to what can be accomplished when people come together for a common cause, proving that even small actions can lead to significant changes. As the city continues to evolve, projects like “What We’re Made Of” serve as reminders of York’s rich history and the stories that shape its identity. By participating in these community efforts, individuals contribute to a legacy of creativity and collaboration that will benefit future generations.