A COLOURFUL community project to create a mural on a prominent wall in Bridgwater is set to go ahead this summer.

The Brick Project will see a “dull” façade at the corner of St John Street and Broadway transformed into a “giant painted patchwork” created by community groups and individuals.

It is being funded through the £23.3 million Bridgwater Town Deal, which is funding 11 schemes aimed at helping revitalise the social, cultural and economic offerings in the town centre.

The mural is being co-ordinated by the Brick Project Community Interest Company (CIC) who will gather ideas and inspiration from residents and community groups before work starts on priming the wall surface with colours next month, with community painting starting mid-July.

Team members will encourage people to paint their own designs on an individual brick – there are around 1,800 to cover – to create an array of images.

The wall will then be varnished to preserve the artwork as a permanent public gallery.

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The project will culminate in a Bridgwater’s Got Talent celebration on August 4, featuring performances from people who have been part of the Brick Wall project, while a plaque will later be installed to explain the background to the mural.

Councillor Jacqui Solomon, Bridgwater Town Council ward member for Eastover, said: “The mural will be created by local people for local people and it should be spectacular. The board is delighted this is happening to brighten up Bridgwater and showcase great local talent.

“The Town Wardens will be using their community outreach skills to draw people into taking part.”

Cllr Mike Rigby, Somerset Council’s lead member for economic development, planning and assets, added: “Funding from the Town Deal is helping us to unlock Bridgwater’s creativity and culture and I am looking forward to seeing bare bricks turned into a tapestry everyone can be proud of.”

The team will be working with schools and other organisations in the first week of public painting between July 14 and 18.

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