Uplifting mural raises spirits in Doury Road
A vibrant new mural called The Estate With Love In It is breathing new life into Doury Road in Ballymena thanks, to Housing Executive funding.
A Community Cohesion grant of £3,750 has brought the stunning artwork to life at Alexander Park.
It depicts the journey of the Doury Road estate from one with tough, longstanding issues to the vibrant, attractive, tree-lined housing area it is today.
Since it was targeted as an area for support through the Department for Communities’ Areas at Risk Programme and Building Successful Communities Pilot Project it is now bringing even more light and colour to the estate as well as improving community relations.
The artwork was designed by renowned artists, Carly Wright and Sam McAleese who have been heavily involved in transforming murals across Ballymena over the last 10 years.
Carly worked with the Doury Road community over a few days, involving residents of all ages in a structured approach to create the mural background, then with the help of Sam McAleese, the final design was completed.
Jan Roscoe, Community Coordinator of Doury Road Development Group said;
“Anything that creates a positive image of Doury Road has to be encouraged and we welcome the positive reception the new mural has had and the changes it has made within the area and we were pleased to be able to work with the community in its design and installation.
“Our thanks must not only go to our community partners and residents, but to Carly Wright, Sam McAleese and our funders,
"The Housing Executive’s Community Cohesion and Community Involvement Good Relations Officer John Read, the Department for Communities, and Tudor Trust, as without their support, both financial and non-financial, the project would not have happened.”
Housing Executive Mid & East Antrim Manager Roy McClean said;
“The Housing Executive are delighted to see wall art that brings additional colour and vibrancy to the Doury Road and the hope is that this will continue to enhance community relations in this area.
“It is great to see how the very talented artists worked closely with the local community to design the artwork which makes the imagery much more meaningful.”