Stamshaw Junior School pupils transform underpass through co-created mural

The Stamshaw Underpass has been completely transformed into a brightly coloured space thanks to a large-scale mural project.

Pupils from Stamshaw Junior School helped to design the artwork in a project led by Seekers Create, in partnership with Colas Ltd on behalf of Portsmouth City Council. The project worked directly with pupils to design and create a piece of public art that reflects their ideas, experiences, and view of their local area in Portsmouth.

Through a series of creative sessions using drawing and shared discussion, students explored what the space could become and contributed directly to the final design. Every element of the artwork links back to ideas developed in the sessions, giving pupils a clear sense of ownership and connection to the finished piece.

Clair Martin, Co-Director of Seekers Create, explained: “This project shows what happens when you give young people the space to shape something real. The ideas came directly from the pupils, and you can see that in the final mural. It’s theirs.

“They’ve changed how this space feels for everyone who walks through it.”

The final mural now brings colour and energy to the underpass, turning it into a more welcoming and engaging space for those who use it.

Pupils who took part can see their contributions within the design, making the artwork both personal and public.

A spokesperson from Stamshaw Junior School added: “It has been so exciting to be involved with this project. Our pupils have taken great pride in helping to create this mural, and it has been a truly enriching experience - bringing creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of belonging to their local community.”

Jane Tume, Performance & Quality Manager the Colas Ltd, said the company was happy to support the project.

She said: “At Colas, we’re committed to leaving a positive legacy in the communities we serve. The transformation of Stamshaw Underpass is a great example of what can be achieved when local young people are given the opportunity to shape their environment.

“Supporting this project has been incredibly rewarding—what was once a functional space is now vibrant, welcoming and something the community can take real pride in.”

Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Party Cllr Peter Candlish added his praise for the project: "It’s fantastic to see young people from Stamshaw Junior School helping to transform this underpass.

“I’m delighted that Colas is working with the community to support a project that puts local voices first, and created a mural that makes this area a brighter, more welcoming space.

“This is a great example of our commitment to working in partnership to improve all areas of the city, making Portsmouth an even better place to live."

A local resident who passed through during the painting said: “It’s completely changed the underpass. It feels brighter, more inviting, and safer. It’s amazing to see something like this created with young people at the centre of it.”

Colas supported the project by preparing the site, including painting the base layer of the underpass, helping create the conditions for the mural to be delivered.

Seekers Create’s approach focuses on working with participants to shape outcomes through creative engagement. In this project, pupils were not just involved, they led the ideas that formed the final piece.

The Stamshaw Underpass mural now stands as a visible example of what young people can create when given the opportunity to shape their environment.