Ossett to Welcome New Mural

Ever walked through a town and seen a massive, brilliant painting on the side of a building? Well, the West Yorkshire market town of Ossett is about to get its very own splash of colour. A brand-new public mural is on its way, and it’s not just some random picture. This piece of art is a storybook on a wall, designed to celebrate everything that makes the town special. And the best bit? Hundreds of local people have helped shape what it will look like, making it a true community project.

A new look for the town centre

There are plans afoot to bring a vibrant new artwork to Ossett. Wakefield Council has announced that a large-scale mural will be installed on the side of Richmond’s Butchers. It’s a prime spot, right opposite the historic Town Hall, so it’ll be impossible to miss. Think of it as a new, colourful hello to everyone visiting the town centre. This isn’t just about brightening up a wall; it’s about creating a new point of interest and pride for everyone who lives in and visits the area. Public art like this has a way of completely changing the feel of a place, turning an ordinary walk to the shops into something a bit more interesting. The location was chosen carefully to ensure the mural becomes a central feature of Ossett’s daily life.

Telling Ossett's story through art

So, what will this giant painting actually show? This artwork is all about celebrating Ossett’s unique story and character. It’s a visual love letter to the town’s distinctive heritage. The design will pull together lots of different local inspirations. Imagine the buzz of the town’s colourful markets, captured in bright paint. The beautiful stained-glass windows seen in the Town Hall will also be a key influence on the design. It's not all about buildings and history, though. The mural will also give a nod to the local wildlife. Keep an eye out for a depiction of the magnificent peregrine falcon, a famous visitor that likes to perch on the spire of Trinity Church. It's these little details that make a place feel like home.

As Cllr Hannah Appleyard, Wakefield Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, explained:

“This mural will celebrate Ossett’s distinctive heritage. From its colourful markets and stained-glass windows found in the Town Hall, to local wildlife like the peregrine falcon that visits Trinity Church’s spire. The mural will be a piece of artwork which will be appreciated for years to come.”

By featuring these well-known landmarks and natural inhabitants, the piece will feel familiar and personal to everyone in Ossett, creating a lasting legacy.

A community collaboration

One of the most brilliant things about this project is how many people have been involved. The West Yorkshire based artist, Shiraaz Ali, didn’t just create a design in isolation. Instead, he made sure the community was part of the process from the very beginning. Over 400 local residents shared their ideas and opinions to help shape the final look of the mural. That's a huge number of people having a direct say in public art!

To gather all this feedback, a proper public consultation was held. There were drop-in sessions where people could chat with the artist and share their thoughts. These events took place at key community hubs like Trinity Church and Ossett Library. Shiraaz Ali even visited Ossett Academy to give talks to eight different groups, ensuring that younger residents had a chance to contribute their vision for the town's new artwork. It's this kind of collaboration that ensures the final piece truly reflects the spirit of Ossett and its people.

How the mural will be made

Creating a massive outdoor artwork that can withstand the lovely British weather is quite a technical job. The artist, Shiraaz Ali, has designed a piece that is not only beautiful but also built to last. The final design won't be painted directly onto the wall. Instead, it will be digitally printed onto special panels.

These are called aluminium composite panels. You can think of them as a sort of high-tech sandwich, with a plastic core pressed between two thin sheets of aluminium. They’re light, incredibly strong, and weather-resistant, which means the colours will stay bright and fresh for a very long time. The fabrication of these panels will be handled by a local company, Style – Signage, Graphics & Display, which is based right in Ossett and has over 40 years of experience. The design itself will be a three-part piece, shaped to look like the arched windows of the Town Hall, creating a neat visual link between the town’s heritage and its new art.

Part of a bigger picture

This fantastic mural project is part of something much bigger. It's a lasting legacy of 'Our Year - Wakefield District 2024', a celebration of culture across the region. It's also part of a specific programme called ‘Crossings and Gateways’, which aims to enhance local areas through creative projects. Of course, an ambitious project like this needs support. It has been made possible thanks to investment from three major supporters of the arts and community development:

• Arts Council England

• Wakefield Council

• West Yorkshire Combined Authority

This collaboration shows a huge commitment to celebrating and investing in the culture and heritage of places like Ossett. The new artwork is due to be installed in late spring or early summer, creating a brand new landmark for the town that celebrates its past, present, and future. It will be more than just a mural; it will be a testament to what a community can create together.