28 September 2022
The Portman Estate, Baker Street Quarter Partnership and Westminster City Council’s Open Spaces, Greener Places programme have worked together to bring a flora and fauna-inspired mural to George’s Park, enhancing the respite spot in the heart of Marylebone. The pocket park features planters with trees and flowers to encourage wildlife and biodiversity, providing the local community with a quiet oasis just off Baker Street.
This is the latest collaboration by The Portman Estate and Baker Street Quarter Partnership in supporting the enhancement of public realm within the community. The process involved consulting local community stakeholders, among them residents and workers, through online sketch and chat workshops to help develop the mural design. The project aims to make George’s Park a place in which residents, workers and visitors can enjoy spending time.
Alice Roche Barton, artist, illustrator and designer, was commissioned to design and produce the artwork with Sing London. The mural celebrates the nature and wildlife connected to the history of Marylebone and has been placed on a vast brick wall to the side of the park, bringing colour and catching the eye of passers-by.
Simon Loomes, Strategic Projects Director for The Portman Estate, says: “It has been a pleasure working with Baker Street Quarter Partnership again to breathe more life into Baker Street area. The local community’s input into the design of the artwork was key in ensuring that it captures the essence of Marylebone and serves the people that live, work and visit here. This represents our ongoing efforts in creating vibrant well-used and locally-loved spaces throughout the neighbourhood.”
Penny Alexander, Chief Executive for Baker Street Quarter Partnership, says: “Thanks to our partners The Portman Estate and Westminster City Council, we’ve been able to work with the local community to create a public artwork to enhance this valued pocket of respite for everyone to enjoy. We’re looking forward to working with our community and partners to create spaces in the future that increase the vitality and biodiversity in our part of Marylebone.”
