Major Public Art Project Launches in Southall

Murals and sculptures to be installed at six locations

Gurdish Haugsdal will paint a mural on Merrick Road. Picture: Ealing Council

January 13, 2026

Southall is preparing for a transformation this spring as six locations across the town are set to be redesigned with new murals, sculptures and public art celebrating the area’s heritage and multicultural identity.

The Destination Southall project, led by Ealing Council and funded through the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, will see artists working directly with schools, community groups and residents to create artworks that reflect local stories and the character of the town.

One of the most prominent sites, the South Road bridge outside Southall Station, will be redesigned to create a more welcoming gateway for people arriving in the area. Ealing-based studio JG Contemporary Art has been appointed to produce a large mural celebrating Southall’s cultural heritage.

Other locations set for transformation include:

• Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge (two artworks)
• Hayes Gateway Bridge on Southall Broadway
• Norwood Road Grand Union Canal Bridge
• The courtyard of the Dominion Centre and Library
• Pavements and other community spaces across the town

Artists were invited to propose ideas that would bring Southall’s story to life while involving local people in the creative process. A panel made up of council representatives and community organisations—including Southall Community Alliance, Southall Black Sisters, Southall Young Adult Centre, Open Southall and Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery—selected seven artists to deliver the work.

The artists and their projects

1. Haffendi Anuar will create a sculptural mural at the Dominion Centre and Library inspired by shadow-puppet theatre, shaped by ideas gathered from local residents. The installation will include built-in seating.
2. Prem Sahib , who grew up in Southall, will produce a new artwork inspired by cinema seating and the area’s social spaces, linking Southall’s histories to its migrant communities. The final location will be chosen with community input.
3. TK Hay will install miniature three-dimensional models of Southall landmarks on Hayes Gateway Bridge.
4. Pablo Thomas of BUHO Studios will turn the Norwood Road canal bridge into an open-air gallery, with 13 painted panels illustrating key moments in Southall’s history and culture. Visitors will be able to scan a QR code to see animated versions of the artworks.
5. Gurdish Haugsdal , who has strong local ties, will paint a mural on Merrick Road foot and cycle bridge featuring portraits and stories of residents, celebrating migration and imagining Southall’s future.
6. Raj Dhunna will add illustrated portraits of notable residents, community leaders and young people to the entrances of the same bridge.
7. Shirin Naveed will install new street furniture inspired by the traditional Punjabi manji outside 118–122 The Broadway, co-designed with residents to reflect Southall’s musical and cultural heritage.

Council leader Peter Mason said the project would showcase what makes Southall unique. “This is a powerful way to celebrate what makes Southall truly special – its people, diversity and community spirit,” he said. “Public art builds a sense of pride for people who live and work in the area and boosts the local economy through extra visitors who come to enjoy it.”

Councillor Blerina Hashani, cabinet member for thriving communities, said the project was being shaped directly by local voices. “We want this to be powered by people in Southall,” she said. “Schools, community groups and residents are helping to make it happen so that the art really represents their voices and stories.”