Artist transforms Keighley community centre entrance into play trail

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 04:02 · Archive

Artist Shiraaz Ali, who created Bradford's flower carpet, has transformed a neglected driveway at St Michael's Community Centre in Keighley into a colourful Hopscotch Haven play trail.

Artist Shiraaz Ali has unveiled Hopscotch Haven, a colourful play trail created from a neglected driveway outside St Michael's Community Centre in Bracken Bank Grove, Keighley. The project was commissioned by Word Up North's Michelle Temperley and delivered with Lauren Kelly, assistant ward officer for Keighley Central and Keighley West. The centre had been largely unused for about 20 years before local efforts began to bring it back into the community.

Ali transformed what he described as a "pothole driveway" into an entrance inspired by a red carpet leading into the building. He said: "It was all about animating that space. How can we create something that's going to make the kids want to hopscotch over?" Earlier community consultation helped shape the artwork, with local residents creating a poem about Keighley and the importance of the centre. That poem inspired a feature called the "poem tree", intended to give visitors a place to pause, relax and reflect.

Ali designed and painted the piece while working with residents during its installation. He said: "There were two boys who were proper getting their hands dirty painting with us. They were locals from Bracken Bank." Residents have responded positively to the finished work, with neighbours and children said to be enjoying the new space.

How it is being reported

• Artist behind Bradford flower carpet brings colour to new community projectArtist Shiraaz Ali, creator of Bradford's flower carpet, has transformed a neglected community centre entrance into a colourful Hopscotch Haven play trail.Keighley News · 25 Oct, 03:25
• Artist behind Bradford flower carpet brings colour to new community projectArtist Shiraaz Ali, creator of Bradford's flower carpet, has transformed a neglected community centre entrance into a colourful Hopscotch Haven play trail.Telegraph & Argus · 25 Oct, 03:00

In this story: Shiraaz Ali · St Michael's Community Centre · Word Up North · Michelle Temperley · Lauren Kelly · Keighley · Bracken Bank Grove · Bradford

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