New Mural Unveiled at Penny Pocket Park in Leeds

International artist creates mural to revitalise city centre park

A new mural has been unveiled at Penny Pocket Park, located next to Leeds Minster, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the city centre green space. The artwork was designed and painted by Yorkshire-born multidisciplinary artist Cbloxx, also known as Jay Gilleard. It aims to transform the park into a more welcoming area for residents, workers, and visitors.

Details of the Mural

The mural is situated on Church Walk, beneath the railway viaduct. It features two large owls flying overhead, underwater scenes, and a carved face emerging from a rock wall. The water imagery symbolises the nearby River Aire, while other elements reference Leeds’ industrial heritage.

Jay Gilleard explained that the mural explores how older elements, such as landscape, mythology, and memory, continue to influence the city’s spaces even when they are not immediately visible.

Historical Context of Penny Pocket Park

The park was originally the graveyard of Leeds Parish Church, now Leeds Minster. Gravestones from the original burial ground remain on the slopes beside the railway line, having been carefully repositioned in the 1860s when the railway was constructed. Soil was added over the graves to create the incline, preserving the stones in their original locations.

Community Involvement and Future Plans

The community interest company Getting Clean has supported the park’s regeneration by providing peer support for people recovering from addiction and organising volunteer activities. Their contributions have included planting sunflower seeds and cleaning the area in preparation for the mural.

Subject to consultation, future proposals for Penny Pocket Park include:

• Improving footpaths and lighting
• Installing additional seating
• Carrying out further landscaping works

Official Comments and Funding

Councillor Asghar Khan, executive member for communities, customer service and community safety at Leeds City Council, and Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, highlighted the importance of making parks welcoming and safe. They noted that Penny Pocket Park serves as a key gateway into the city centre and welcomed the mural as a positive step towards revitalising the area.

The mural project has been funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. It is a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Groundwork Yorkshire, Wade’s Charity, Leeds Minster, and Leeds Civic Trust.