Work has started on a striking new public artwork in Prescot town centre, bringing local history and heritage to life through a series of vibrant designs.
The new mural, along the side of Heron Foods on Eccleston Street at the corner of Leyland Street, will feature six individual designs representing key moments from Prescot’s past.
Each scene will be illustrated through animals, creating a unique and engaging interpretation of the town’s heritage.
The mural design has been created by Laura-Kate Draws, a Liverpool City Region-based freelance visual artist, illustrator and arts educator. Laura-Kate’s work combines illustration, public art and community engagement, using creative storytelling to bring local history and culture to life in accessible and engaging ways.
The proposed mural series has received positive feedback from local businesses and community groups. The inspiration for one of the six panels was suggested by the Prescot Heritage Group, who were keen to see the town crest and Prescot’s historic links to King’s College represented in the artwork.
Cllr Shelley Powell, Knowsley’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Neighbourhoods said: “This exciting new mural will celebrate Prescot’s unique heritage in a creative and accessible way. Public art can play an important role in transforming spaces, encouraging civic pride and sparking conversations about the stories that make our communities special.
“We’re delighted to see work getting underway and look forward to residents and visitors seeing the finished artwork.”
Laura-Kate commented: “I’ve really enjoyed learning about the heritage and history of Prescot and finding creative ways to weave the important people, places and events I’ve discovered into a visual story across the mural.
My aim is for the mural to become a bright, colourful and joyful representation of Prescot – something that local people can feel proud of and that visitors can enjoy discovering too. I’m really looking forward to getting started and I’m very grateful to Knowsley Council for the opportunity to create this work.”
The project follows Knowsley Council’s recent call-out for artists to submit expressions of interest for new mural projects across the borough and forms part of the Council’s wider Public Art Strategy.
The strategy aims to brighten public spaces, strengthen local pride and create artwork that reflects the identity of communities across Knowsley. Through projects such as this, the council is creating attractive and memorable landmarks that residents can be proud of and visitors can enjoy.
The artwork is scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks – subject to weather conditions.
