Avenue Parade Pocket Garden and New Public Artwork Unveiled in Accrington
Avenue Parade Pocket Garden and New Public Artwork Unveiled in Accrington
Hyndburn Borough Council has marked the completion of regeneration works at Avenue Parade Gardens, with the space officially opened on Saturday 4 July 2026 by the Mayor of Hyndburn.
The event celebrated the transformation of the site into a refreshed urban pocket park for residents and visitors. The scheme has introduced improved planting, upgraded materials and enhanced layout features, creating a more accessible and welcoming public space in the town centre.
A key feature of the garden is a bespoke sculpture titled “Deeply Regret”, created by British sculptors and landscape designers John and George Everiss. The life-sized piece depicts a woman and child in period dress at the moment they receive news from the First World War, reflecting the experiences of families in Accrington during that time. Fabricated locally by Fitzpatrick’s (UK) Ltd, the artwork offers a focal point for reflection and builds on the artists’ earlier installation beside the Accrington Pals Memorial.
Further enhancing the space, a new mural by local sign writer and artist Rob “umberto” Walker has been introduced in collaboration with Super Slow Way. Inspired by the sculpture and the letters exchanged between families and the front line, the mural features the phrase “Darling Be Home Soon”, strengthening the link between the town’s heritage, public art and the stories of its community.
Image: Mural and Sculpture and Avenue Parade Gardens (Photo Credit Garry Cook)
As part of the works, a small number of older trees were removed to support the long-term sustainability of the site. This has allowed for the introduction of more suitable tree species for the town centre environment, alongside improved seating, accessibility and infrastructure. The changes have also helped to increase natural light and air flow within the garden, supporting the health of new planting and ensuring the space can be maintained effectively. In line with the Council’s approach to green space management, replacement trees are being planted elsewhere in the town to maintain and enhance overall canopy cover.
Image: The Mayor, Cllr Noordad Aziz and Cllr Clare Pritchard beside the new sculpture “Deeply Regret” by artists John and George Everiss
Councillor Munsif Dad BEM JP, Leader of the Council said:
“We’re pleased to see the garden now open and being used by the community. This is part of ongoing work to improve green spaces across Accrington, making them more accessible and enjoyable for residents. We’ve worked closely with a range of partners to deliver these improvements.”
The project was delivered through partnership working, including contributions from the Accrington Town Centre Greening Group, Hyndburn Green Spaces Forum and Accrington and Rossendale College. Students studying Practical Horticulture Skills through Lancashire Adult Learning supported the planting of the site, working alongside the Council’s Parks team under the guidance of their tutor, Kate Wels.
The mural at Avenue Parade Gardens is one of three new public artworks recently installed across Accrington town centre through a partnership between Hyndburn Borough Council and Super Slow Way. Created in collaboration with local communities, the murals celebrate the town’s heritage, creativity and people, with works by Robert Walker, Abigail Hampsey and Jamie Holman drawing inspiration from Accrington’s wartime history, the Accrington Pipe Band, and the town’s industrial past and future generations. Residents are invited to celebrate the completed artworks at a special parade and unveiling event on 1 August, starting at the Avenue Parade Memorial Space at 1pm and finishing at approximately 1.30pm, bringing together artists, performers and the community to recognise the power of public art to inspire pride, preserve local stories and strengthen connections across the town.
The Avenue Parade improvements form part of a wider programme of town centre greening, following works completed at the Accrington Pals Memorial Garden and enhancements at Bank Street, Oak Street and Abbey Street. The project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.