Street Art Project Aims To Revitalise Rundown Parts Of Guildford

Published on: 29 Sep, 2025
Updated on: 4 Oct, 2025

The project is about transforming spaces, says the council. (Picture: GBC)

Street artists descended on Guildford over the weekend to deliver a makeover to the Old Orleans building in the town centre, in conjunction with Guildford Festival of the Arts.

The venture was part of the next phase of Guildford Borough Council’s Street Art Project, which aims to use art to breathe new life into public spaces.

The artists set about painting eye-catching murals on the wooden boards surrounding the building, in a live street art demonstration that was open to the public.

The council said the project was part of a wider approach to urban improvement, focusing on cleaning up and improving tired or neglected parts of the town centre.

Among the street artists were Roo and Skyhigh, who recently worked on the mural underneath the Walnut Bridge, not far from the Old Orleans building.

The artists donated their time and expertise to the project free of charge.

Cllr Angela Goodwin, Lead Councillor for Environment and Recreation at Guildford Borough Council, said: “Research shows that high-quality, well-curated street art can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of rundown areas, creating a more welcoming environment and boosting local pride.

“This is about more than just paint on a wall. It’s about transforming spaces, supporting talented artists and showing what’s possible when creativity meets community.”

Artist at work at the Old Orleans site. (Picture: GBC)

Amanda Masters, Chief Executive of Experience Guildford, said: “We’re proud to support the Council’s Street Art Project, which is breathing new life into our town centre.

Artwork under Walnut Bridge

“The mural underneath Walnut Bridge was a fantastic example of how creativity can revitalise a neglected space into something vibrant and welcoming.

“This new artwork at the Old Orleans site builds on that success and we’re excited to see how it will enhance the area and inspire future improvements.”

Experience Guildford, in partnership with the council, is seeking contributions to fund street art projects in areas which are not council owned but are equally in need of attention.

A cascade of colour aims to enhance this part of the town (Picture: GBC)

Responses to Street Art Project Aims To Revitalise Rundown Parts Of Guildford

D Smith Reply

September 30, 2025 at 8:52 pm

I appreciate some artists have taken time to try and brighten this area up but the truth of the matter is that this area continues to be embarrassment to the town.

The new bridge was supposed to kick start regeneration and provide an attractive safe route from the station to the town centre. Instead it’s been poorly maintained, the promised piazza is more akin to an 1980s office car park and the former old Orleans has sat empty for nearly 15 years.

Perhaps Guildford residents could have an update from Cllr Tom Hunt (Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Regeneration) on what the strategy is for Bedford Wharf and the council owned former Old Orleans premises.
Frank Emery Reply

October 1, 2025 at 11:18 am

You can paint over the cracks but the damage done over years of neglect is disgraceful.

An opportunity to revive an area close to the river by re-establishing a once vibrant and popular venue might have been more beneficial to this now squalid area.

Paint won’t help this once great town only proper investment will.

If painting is your only way forward? Maybe try working on the “Casino” building, that’s an absolute disgrace, what a “beautiful” sight to behold when you arrive in Guildford from the station.
James Markey Reply

October 1, 2025 at 3:40 pm

They look brilliant! Great idea to brighten up the town.
Graham Andrews Reply

October 3, 2025 at 11:13 am

Huge thanks to Belinda Robinson of GBC and the brilliant street artists who have transformed these abandoned buildings