18 August 2025
Two talented students from Southampton Solent University have given bollards in Mayflower Park a splash of colour.
An idea that emerged from the Old Town Community Forum, Amreace Bacon and Sasha Sinkler were chosen by Solent Creatives to design and paint vibrant art murals for the bollards to encourage pedestrians to stop by and relax in the area.
Each design turned the grey surfaces on the front and back of the bollards, which were installed by Southampton City Council, into colourful pieces inspired by Southampton’s maritime history, the Old Town and waterside life.
The new artwork installations are part of GO! Southampton and Solent Creatives (Southampton Solent University) Art in the Park project which aims to enrich local lives through art.
GO! Southampton has supported a range of art installations across East Street, the train station and the Old Town’s telephone boxes – with even more to come.
Director of Placemaking at GO! Southampton Gemma Pratt said: “The designs have brought new colour and life to the park – they’re bold, bright and inviting. The bollards have not only given the students the chance to showcase their creativity but provided us with a blank canvas to bring art outdoors.”
Sasha Sinkler said: “This was my first ever mural project, and it was such a fun challenge! I didn’t know what to expect and it was a lot of hard work, but by the end it was so satisfying to be able to put my name on something that will brighten up the city!”
Sally Saunders from Solent Creatives said: “Painting the bollards was definitely a challenge – each one had its own quirks – but seeing the finished result makes it all worth it. It’s so rewarding to know they bring a splash of colour and creativity to the area for everyone to enjoy.”
The concrete bollards were originally installed by Southampton City Council to help minimise car traffic and encourage pedestrianisation in the area. You can find out more about Art in the Park here.