International artist designs striking new mural for city centre park

The unveiled mural in Penny Pocket Park, located right next to Leeds Minster, is part of a longer-term project to repurpose the park and make it a more welcoming for people who live, work in, or visit the area.

Designed and painted by Yorkshire-born multidisciplinary artist Cbloxx, also known as Jay Gilleard, the impressive mural reimagines a place of everyday transit as a space shaped by memory and mythology.

Located on Church Walk, in the viaduct under the railway tracks, the piece incorporates two giant owls flying overhead, underwater scenes and a carved face emerging from a rock wall.

The water scene works as a symbol for the River Aire running through the city not far from the park itself and the mural also hints at Leeds’ industrial past.

Jay said: “This work looks at how something older still exists beneath the surface of the city — how landscape, mythology and memory continue to shape how we move through space, even when we no longer see them.”

Originally the graveyard of Leeds Parish Church, now Leeds Minster, the park’s history can still be seen in the gravestones placed on the slopes of the railway line that runs through the park. 

The stones were lifted in the 1860’s when the line was built and large amounts of soil were placed on top of the existing graves to create the incline. Each stone was then re-laid in the same position, where they remain today.

Supporting the regeneration of the park is the community interest company Getting Clean, who provide peer support to people in addiction recovery as well as volunteering opportunities for people who care about their community and want to support inclusive change. The group has so far helped with planting sunflower seeds and cleaning in preparation for the mural painting.

Subject to consultation, proposed future plans for the park and the area around Leeds Minster include improving footpaths and lighting, installing more seating and carrying out more landscaping works.

Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety, and Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “We are always working hard to make our parks and green spaces feel welcoming and safe for all residents and visitors. Through our Leeds Ambitions, we have outlined a roadmap with a shared goal for Leeds to reach its full potential. Penny Pocket Park is a key gateway into and out of the city centre, and it is great to start this project to revitalise it and fulfil its potential.

“The stunning mural does a great job in uplifting and celebrating the heart of Leeds and invites people to enjoy the park.”

The mural has been funded by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which is administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The project is a collaboration between Leeds City Council, Groundwork Yorkshire, Wade’s Charity, Leeds Minster and Leeds Civic Trust.

ENDS