Vandalised mural painted over days after completion is restored to its original state

A community mural that was vandalised days after it had been completed has been restored to its original state. The mural in the Gabalfa underpass at Western Avenue was daubed with yellow paint by vandals.

The mural took weeks of work with local groups and schools involved and gave the grim underpass a vibrant new look. When it was vandalised the local community were quick to act and came together to wash off the graffiti before it had a chance to dry.

Now groups have now restored the artwork in what the council described as an act “that celebrates the power of community engagement and a sense of pride in their area”.

The Unify Gabalfa Interchange Project involving the Cardiff Curriculum Team, Cardiff Youth Service, Cardiff Council’s Housing caretaking team, and Unify Creative was funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) to bring together local schools and others to redesign the underpass, turning it into a safe place.

Six local schools, including Bryn y Deryn PRU, Ysgol Gyfun Glantaf, Gabalfa Primary, Ysgol Gynradd Glan Ceubal, St. Joseph’s RC Primary, Meadowbank Special School, and the Glantaf Specialist Resource Base (SRB) took part in the project. Students from these schools as well as young people from Gabalfa Youth Club worked with Unify Creative to create artwork in the underpass to reflect the community and those who live there.

A Cardiff Council spokesperson said: “This project has totally revitalised the Gabalfa underpass and shows what can be achieved when local schools, organisations, and community members work together to celebrate and contribute to a shared vision of community and creativity.

“Not only has the initiative brought colour and life to the underpass but it has also brought with it sense of community pride, one which the local residents have rightly defended by showing these vandals that such acts of anti-social behaviour won’t be tolerated.”

The council said its caretaking services team wants to hear from any residents who experience persistent vandalism on public-facing walls or garages to get in touch if they are interested in installing community artwork in these spaces. Join our WhatsApp community here