A colourful new mural welcoming people to Didsbury has transformed a once-vandalised gas kiosk into a vibrant piece of public art.
All four sides of the building in Didsbury Pocket Park, just off the A34 Kingsway, have been painted by local artist Caroline Daly.
Recognising the fact the RSPB was founded at nearby Fletcher Moss, three of the four sides have birds and plants covering them.
The fourth side, which faces onto several busy gateway roads to the area, carries a huge ‘Welcome to Didsbury’ message.
The artwork is a collaboration between Didsbury Civic Society, local gas network Cadent (the owner of the kiosk) and artist Caroline Daly.
Thomas Rowley, Cadent’s area supervisor for energy operations in South Manchester, said: “We had a brand-new kiosk fitted 18 months ago and, unfortunately, it experienced quite a lot of vandalism and graffiti. I was contacted by Mike Corlett from Didsbury Civic Society and the idea to get a mural started was born.
“The design is great – a really good fit for the park. It works to Cadent’s commitment to ensure that what we do, 24/7, to keep people warm in their homes, is carried out in a way that is considerate at all times to the local environment we work in and to the communities we serve.
“I love the fact it ties in with local nature. We now want to take that further – we are looking at other ways we can enable plants and wildlife to flourish in the vicinity of this kiosk and others in the area.
“The feedback we have had from everyone has been really positive. I just think it brightens up the park and it’s a great thing to have done.”
Caroline Daly, who made headlines with a mural of Batman ‘the Chorlton tram cat’ in 2023, said: “We chose birds and wildlife because just down the road, at Fletcher Moss, was where the RSPB started.
“We have gone with birds that are often seen in the area – kingfishers on the River Mersey, herons at Fletcher Moss and on the Mersey, and there are lots of blue tits around; you can always hear them.
“There are a few rare plants at Fletcher Moss so I have included them in the mural as well.
“The painting and installing took six days, and I had a couple of assistants to help me. It was a lovely experience – literally everybody stopped to ask what was happening, loads of people said thank you and what a difference it had made to their journeys to and home from work, or just walking past. They said it really brightens their day.”
Mike Corlett, Chairman of Didsbury Civic Society, said: “I think this is a wonderful addition to Didsbury.
“This has been an opportunity for the community and the people who provide the services in Didsbury to get together and deliver a beautiful piece of artwork, which I am sure will be here and last for a long time.
“The reception from the local people and passers-by has been very good – a lot of people have commented to say it is a great addition to the local area. A great job and I am sure it will be here and looking good for a long time.”
