Newquay BID Secures Additional Funding to Commission Three New Murals in the Town Centre

Newquay BID is proud to announce that it has been awarded additional funding from the Town Regeneration and Investment Programme (TRIP). This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The funding was allocated through Cornwall Council’s Town Regeneration and Investment Programme, which is part of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

This exciting funding will support the creation of three new murals by talented local artists, designed to celebrate Newquay’s unique identity and bring colour, creativity, and life to the town centre.

The new commissions form part of the Newquay Mural Trail, a wider project that Newquay BID has been developing for over 12 months. The trail features a growing collection of striking murals across the town, encouraging visitors and residents alike to explore Newquay’s streets, discover hidden corners, and enjoy art in everyday spaces.

“We’re so pleased to have secured this additional funding to continue the mural project,” said Mark Warren, Newquay BID Manager. “It’s really making our town stand out from the rest, and we have so many more plans to build on this success and drive year-round footfall throughout our amazing town.”

Work on the first mural began this week, led by project curator Jack Tierney from Slapdash Studios. Local artist Ben Allen is currently creating a stunning new mural on the side of Truscott’s on Fore Street, overlooking the Fore Street car park. The mural features poppies, a theme deeply connected to Newquay through the spectacular poppy fields at Polly Joke, which are a beloved part of the local landscape.

Two further mural locations across the town will be announced in the coming weeks, with all three artworks set for completion by the end of December, in line with the funding timeline.

This project marks a significant investment in Newquay’s visual identity and is part of BID’s ongoing work to enhance the town centre environment, support local creatives, and drive increased footfall and visitor engagement.

TRIP (own Regeneration and Investment Programme)

 The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.’

For more information, visit UK Shared Prosperity Fund Prospectus https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus.

Artist Statement – Ben Allen, Newquay Mural

“This mural is my abstract celebration of the vibrant poppy fields and wild beauty that surround Newquay. Inspired by Cornwall’s natural energy, I wanted to bring that same sense of life, movement, and colour into the urban landscape — transforming walls into living canvases that reflect the freedom and vitality of nature.

Through layers of bold colour, texture, and form, the piece invites people to pause, look closer, and reconnect with the natural world that inspires us all. It’s about bringing beauty back into everyday spaces and reminding us that art and nature can thrive side by side.”

Slapdash Studios Statement

“We’re really excited to be able to produce another three fantastic murals to add to the ever-growing Newquay Mural Trail.

All these murals have a deep connection to the town, reflecting on Newquay’s rich history as well as its vibrant present-day culture.

We’re thrilled to be bringing more beauty to the town, and the response we’ve had from everyone has been wonderful!”

With a renewed five-year term now secured, Newquay BID looks forward to delivering even more projects like this that showcase the town’s culture, community, and creativity.