New life bestowed on North Richmond footbridge with colourful mural

A brightly coloured mural now adorns the footbridge connecting St Mary’s Grove and Sheendale Road. It was officially unveiled by the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Penny Frost, on 1 October.

North Richmond councillor Nancy Baldwin and local residents have lobbied for years to make this bridge safer and more inviting to local families. Through a partnership of local organisations and funding bodies grants were secured from our Civic Pride Fund, the Hounslow and Richmond Community Rail Partnership, supported by South Western Railway, and Network Rail, who generously provided both financial support and formal permission to paint the bridge. 

Project coordination was supported by Habitats and Heritage, who worked closely with Councillor Baldwin to secure Civic Pride funding and bring the initiative to life. 

Councillor Baldwin, North Richmond ward councillor as well as Vice-chair of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee (Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities and the Voluntary Sector), said: “This mural is more than just decoration. It celebrates our working-class history, our children’s creativity, and the power of community collaboration. I’m proud to have played a part in helping residents reclaim this space." 

The mural, designed and painted by Night Shift, was inspired by drawings created by Holy Trinity School pupils using resources from The Richmond Historical Society and the Richmond Council Information Service. A special thanks to local residents who helped clean and prime the bridge to make it ready for the final artwork.

This bridge is a major route to schools, bus stops and businesses, and is now safer and a more attractive place for young families to bring their small children to watch the trains and see the entire eastward route all the way to the Shard.