Luke Passey is a Manchester based visual artist whose work studies composition of shape, pattern and texture. His work is easily recognisable with a strong identity, creating colourful, modern and abstract work. He is closely associated with Islington Mill and its regeneration in Salford where much of his work can be found. We felt it was important to work with artists from outside of Sheffield for several reasons. It prevents the streetscene from becoming too homogeneous. Plus in working with someone who is embedded in Islington Mill with their artists and collectives, it is hoped that it will open up opportunities for Sheffield artists to be reciprocated. While Sheffield city centre undergoes this period of regeneration and renewal, it is important to make buildings and spaces as interesting as possible. Sheffield has never been a follower. It is this uniqueness which sets it apart from other major cities. As a counter-culture city, street art keeps it alive and fresh. Draws visitors and increases footfall in areas which are undergoing redevelopment. The work will add to an already well-regarded collection of mural art in the Heart of the City overlooking Pounds Park, Coles car park ramp (Cross Burgess Street) and the former Yorkshiremen pub hoardings (Burgess Street). The aim of this temporary artwork is to engage the wider community in a discussion about the social value of the Citadel and how everyone, including graffiti writers interact with this listed building going forward.
The latest street art mural commissioned by The Friends of Sheffield City Centre is by Zoe Genders on the former Yorkshireman pub hoardings, Burgess Street.
Zoe’s distinctive style is characterised by bold, vibrant colour palettes that draw inspiration from the natural world, translating organic forms into graphic abstract landscapes.
Friends of Sheffield City Cantre have commissioned a mural down the ramp of the former Cole Brothers carpark. Kid Acne will continue work over the next few days.
Thanks to the vision of Street Artist Kid Acne, who curated the project alongside Bridget Ingle and Friends of Sheffield City Centre. This initiative brought together an incredible group of local and regional artists, the park has been transformed into a vibrant canvas that reflects the spirit of Sheffield.
Bridget shared: We’re deeply grateful to Sear McClean, for his support and trust in this proiect, as well as to Amey for supplying the barriers and the Cambridge Street Collective for their invaluable help. Projects like this give artists the freedom to create connect, and inspire, while offering the public powerful art experiences in the heart of the city, for everyone to enjoy. The Pounds Park Paint Jam is more than just an event. it’s a reminder of the value art brings to our communities. and a celebration of Sheffield’s amazing creative talent. Sheffirld’s Team Central are always proud to support locak grassroots groups to deliver community led proiects. This highlights the great partnership work in the City Centre with Liam Pond and the Sheffield City Council City Centre Management team. More than anything, the Pounds Park Paint Jam reminds us that art is what really brings people together.
Thanks to the Steel City Snapper for the great photos
Bringing Colour to the Moor: Artist Florence Blanchard and Friends of Sheffield City Centre Transform Neglected Thoroughfare into a Vibrant Landmark Sheffield, UK – July 2025 — This summer, a grey corner of Sheffield city centre is getting a bold new identity. Thanks to a creative partnership between Florence Blanchard, a renowned Sheffield-based mural artist and the Friends of Sheffield City Centre (FoSCC), the once-overlooked side wall of Atkinsons on Holy Green will become a striking, 150-square-metre mural’s celebrating the area’s past, present, and future.
The project, funded by Sheffield City Council’s Councillors and Akinsons of Sheffield and supported by Amey, is the latest in a series of grassroots initiatives led by FoSCC to improve the city centre through beautification, public art, and community care. Following the success of last year’s mural by the same artist, which was credited with brightening the area, increasing footfall, and creating a new focal point for The Moor, this new artwork aims to bring a burst of colour, curiosity, and joy to a dull and neglected corner of the city. FoSCC have also installed (with the help of Sheffield City Council) four large, vibrant planters echoing the artwork’s colours, reinforcing the project’s mission to transform this dull corner of the city into something lively and welcoming.
“This project is about reclaiming run down spaces and turning them into something people want to walk through, look at, and feel proud of,” said Bridget Ingle. “It’s what Friends of Sheffield City Centre is all about: bringing people together to care for our city in all sorts of ways, from litter picking to art.”
Science, Colour, and Local Roots
Florence Blanchard, who trained as a scientist before turning full-time to mural work, has brought her distinctive blend of abstract shapes, bold palettes, and visual rhythm to cities around the world but Sheffield has long been home.
“Sheffield gave me my first real connection to public art as a community force,” said Blanchard. “I’ve painted here for over a decade, and this mural feels special. It’s about colour and science, yes, but also about storytelling, regeneration, and how art can completely shift the energy of a place.”
The new mural draws inspiration from the rich (and little-known) history of Holy Green, once the site of an educational academy run by John Hessay Abraham—Principal of the Milk Street Academy and Fellow of the Royal Society. Later, the space became a girls’ school, filled with balsam-scented walks, poetic eccentric teachers, and local cultural life. Florence’s design blends references to this heritage with vibrant, abstract forms that nod to both science and imagination—infusing the alley with brightness and playful energy.
Community-Driven Transformation
This collaboration is a testament to the power of community-led action. While Florence brings international artistic experience, Bridget leads a team of volunteers who quietly and consistently improve Sheffield’s urban fabric through initiatives ranging from planting and tidying to organising ambitious projects like this one. Together, they share a drive to make the best out of every situation
Florence Blanchard is a Franco British, Sheffield-based mural artist and former molecular biology researcher with a penchant for microscopy. Her vibrant public artworks explore the intersection between science and visual abstraction and can be seen on walls from New York to Paris to Sheffield.
About Friends of Sheffield City Centre
Founded by Bridget Ingle, Friends of Sheffield City Centre is a grassroots volunteer group dedicated to caring for and enhancing the city centre. Their initiatives include litter picking, planting, street cleaning, and art-led regeneration projects that bring pride and energy to public spaces.
Along with Sheffield Litter Pickers, Friends of Sheffield City Centre organised a Summer Party at The Dorothy Pax in the canal basin. A wonderful time was had by all with food, drinks and a chance to meet other like minded people.
The seating in Tudor Square has been replaced, thanks to the Friends of Sheffield City Centre. The FoSCC secured £24,000 in grant funding from the National Lottery Awards for All and the JG Graves Trust for the Tudor Square Restoration Project.
The original artisan oak seating installed in the four pebble planters in 2010 has been in a state of disrepair for several years. Some sections had been removed for safety reasons.
The oak has been replaced with engineered wood decking boards made by Cladco out of recycled hard wood fibre from sustainable sources and recycled plastic.
The decking boards have been expertly adapted using traditional construction methods by Daniel Aitken and his team from The Joinery Workshop in Deepcar. Each slat has been individually cut and shaped to meet the curvature of each seating area which are all unique.
Daniel said “This has been one of the toughest jobs we have tackled. It has been fraught with problems in adapting the decking boards for this challenging seating area. But we have learnt a lot and the engineered wood is hard wearing and low maintenance. We are really pleased with the results and hope that everyone enjoys using them. They will last so much longer than natural wood.”
As part of the Tudor Square Restoration Project the planting will also so be updated and improved to ensure it is environmentally sustainable to meet the changing climate conditions. The FoSCC are delighted that Green Estate are supporting the project with their expertise. Owen Hayman will be working with the City Centre horticulturalists in the coming months to deliver their vision for the area.
Notes:
Tudor Square is an important open space for cultural activity in the theatre district and a gateway to the city. There are 27,000 residents living within a 1.2km radius of the square. The increase in city centre residents will continue over the coming years with 10,000 more moving in centrally. During the World Snooker Championships 40,000 people enjoy the space. During DocFest the box office is located here alongside events for the 3,500 delegates from around the world.
The old oak seating is being repurposed by artisan furniture maker Finbarr Lucas based at Sheffield Manor Lodge.
Friends of Sheffield City Centre is a community group set up to support the work and activities of Sheffield City Council’s gardens and public realm for the benefit of the local community, businesses and visitors.
Sadly the seating in Tudor Square is no longer serviceable and needs to be replaced we are working with Sheffield City Council and various funders to do this.
Central Sheffield are pleased to have supported Friends of Sheffield City Centre with the creation of this superb mural by Florence Blanchard at Holy Green in the City Centre. Another great addition to the street scene. Thanks to Bridget lngle for your vision and thanks Flo for donating your time and creativity
Central Sheffield teamed up with the Friends of Sheffield City Centre to create a partnership with Sheffield City Council Parks Sheffield
A new perennial wildflower meadow area has been created in Nursery Street Pocket Park. Together, we prepared the ground and laid wildflower turf to enhance nature.
Jointly funded by Central LAC City Ward and the Parks Service, the biodiversity and resilient turf called Treasure Chest includes 29 different perennial species which will flower from March to September.
It has been developed by Sheffield’s own The Green Estate Community Interest Company who recently received The King’s Award for Enterprise and Sustainable Development.
The transformation of the area has been remarkable. Please take a look at the before and after
A massive Thank You to Bridget Ingle and the brilliant volunteers for their vision .
Great partnership work with local volunteers and Sheffield City Council creating new #wildlife#habitats with innovative wildflower turf developed in Sheffield.
