Prizewinning mural unveiled at new Clifton apartments

A mural designed by local schoolchildren was unveiled on Monday (9 October) at the Kieron Hill Court apartments in Clifton.

The mural, which runs along the rear of the apartment block, was designed by students from the Farnborough Academy as part of a Nottingham City Council competition to come up with a design that reflected the local area.

The winning design was chosen by Academy students and local community groups, and has been developed for use at the chosen site by Nottingham-based artist Nathan Bainbridge, aka Small Kid. 

Kieron Hill Court, built as part of the Building A Better Nottingham programme,  opened in December last year and was named after a popular soldier who fell in the line of duty 14 years ago. Kieron was aged just 20 when he died following an explosion in Afghanistan in May 2009. Originally from Clifton, he had served in the Armed Forces since he was 16 and was well-loved in his local community.

Councillor Jay Hayes, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Nottingham City Council, said, “When a community comes together to create something like this, it unites everyone in that community and leaves a lasting legacy. It’s a true demonstration of people power, and I’d like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to make it happen.”

Graeme Smith, Executive Principal of the Farnborough Spencer Academy, said, “Our art students have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside a professional artist; Small Kid has encapsulated all the students’ designs into this mural, which is a welcome addition to the community in Clifton.

“The mural brings a colourful and meaningful representation of what it is to be a part of the Clifton community; the students have chosen activities and areas of Clifton that are personal to them. Every student involved in this project can be proud that they have participated in the creation of the mural, and I’d like to thank the council for lending us the opportunity to take part in its creation.”

Councillor Kevin Clarke, Ward Councillor for Clifton East, said, “We’re delighted to have been able to work with the Academy to create this mural. Kieron Hill Court is a tribute to one of our local heroes, and the mural looks just fantastic.

“It’s so good to see something created by the community here in Clifton that can be enjoyed by people in the community. Well done to those who came up with the design and everyone else involved.”