Hand-painted bollards installed on Whitehouse Lane

A series of vibrant hand-painted bollards have been installed along Whitehouse Lane, enhancing the walking and cycling experience in the area. The project was proposed by the late Marcus Willcocks, an urban designer and researcher who lived in Windmill Hill and championed creative interventions to make public spaces more welcoming and inclusive.

The initiative builds on previous bollard artworks on East Street and was funded by MyMural (a group of projects undertaken by Marcus for DAC (Design Against Crime) and the University of the Arts London, following Marcus’s proposal. Upfest (organisers of Europe’s largest street art festival held in Bedminster and Southville bi-annually) contributed time and materials to extend the design concept along Whitehouse Lane, ensuring the installation had maximum impact.

Bristol City Council played a key role in enabling the project, with support from Councillor Ellie Freeman and the Regeneration and Highways teams to secure approvals and facilitate delivery. This collaboration reflects the council’s commitment to improving public spaces and promoting active travel through creative, community-led approaches.