The artist responsible for Bradford's popular flower carpet has unveiled a colourful new project in Keighley designed to bring neighbours together.
Shiraaz Ali transformed a neglected driveway outside St Michael's Community Centre in Bracken Bank Grove into "Hopscotch Haven", a vibrant play trail aimed at welcoming visitors and creating a space for local families to enjoy.
A splash of colour for Bracken Bank
The centre had been largely unused for about 20 years before local efforts began to bring it back into the community.
Shiraaz Ali and Lauren Kelly during the project's creation (Image: Shiraaz Ali)
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.
Artist Shiraaz Ali said: “Not many good stories come from Bradford, so it's nice. This one was fun.”
His design has changed what he described as a “pothole driveway” into an entrance inspired by a red carpet leading into the building.
Artist Shiraaz Ali said: “It was all about animating that space.”
“How can we create something that's going to make the kids want to hopscotch over?”
Community voices shaped the artwork
Earlier community consultation led by Ms Temperley helped shape the artwork. Local people had created a poem about Keighley and the importance of the centre.
St Michaels community mural (Image: Shiraaz Ali)
That poem inspired a feature called the “poem tree”. It is intended to give visitors a place to pause, relax and reflect.
Mr Ali designed and painted the piece, working with residents during its installation.
Mr Ali 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.
Mr Ali said: “The neighbours seem to love it and the kids seem to really enjoy it.
Shiraaz Ali and Lauren Kelly during the project's creation (Image: Shiraaz Ali)
“Now that space really is for everyone. It's the community centre, and I think this is what they wanted.”
'Bringing a space to life'
Unlike Bradford’s temporary flower carpet, the Keighley artwork has been made to last. Hard-wearing road-marking paint was used for the project.
Mr Ali said: “It's bringing a space to life, bringing the communities together so that they can actually have a safe space for everybody and bringing colour to the neighbourhood as well.”
St Michaels community mural (Image: Shiraaz Ali)
Mr Ali is known for creating Bradford’s popular flower carpet. He said the public response had been 'really amazing.'
“People who have never been to Bradford before, or haven't been here in years, felt that they really wanted to come and they loved seeing something like this in Bradford.”
Mr Ali said: “We want to do things that make the community feel good.”
He has also formally launched his company, Colourz, working towards larger collaborative projects. A commission with Bolton Council is planned, alongside another major mural in Bradford.
Mr Ali said: “There is another big mural that's going to be happening in Bradford. I think it'll be in spring, after the winter.”