Viva Slough and Project Sponge Celebrate a Powerful Community-Led Transformation with Tech, Talent, and Teamwork
Once a dark, damaged, and unloved underpass, a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour, the tunnel connecting Salt Hill Park and Baylis Park has undergone a remarkable transformation into a bold public artwork titled “Water Lives Here”. The project, led by Viva Slough and Project Sponge, with support from AkzoNobel (Dulux Paints) and Salt Hill VR, stands as a shining example of what community-led regeneration can achieve.
The mural will be officially launched by the High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, Sean Taylor, and the Deputy Mayor of Slough, Neel Rana, during the Water & Nature Festival 2025 on:
Saturday 19th July 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM Tunnel Underpass between Salt Hill Park and Baylis Park, Slough SL1 3SR
A Mural That Flows from Underground Inspiration
Beneath this tunnel runs a hidden stream, now celebrated above ground through art, thanks to a partnership between Viva Slough and Project Sponge. The mural was inspired by this overlooked waterway and designed to raise awareness of water as a life-giving force, not just a utility, but a symbol of local identity and environmental stewardship.
“The connection to parts of the Salt Hill Stream had become neglected overtime, unseen, unheard. This mural is about reconnecting to the stream and recognising the role our natural spaces play in shaping resilient, thriving communities” said Aya, Community Action Lead at WWT for Project Sponge.
“By coming together creatively, we’re building local pride, awareness, and a shared sense of care for the environment we all depend on.”
Project Sponge is working with communities to create greener, stronger, and more climate -resilient neighbourhoods. By using nature-based solutions to manage water and reduce flood risk, we’re bringing nature back into our everyday spaces – supporting both people and wildlife, and helping our urban environments adapt to a changing climate.
A Mural by Many Hands: Powered by People and Paint
The creation of the mural was a genuine community effort, involving more than 40 volunteers, from schoolchildren to residents, people passing by, and corporate teams from AkzoNobel (Dulux Paints), Berkeley Homes, and Tesco Mobile, who took time out of their working week to paint alongside local families.
“It was amazing to see people from all walks of life working side by side with brushes in hand,” said Jho, Lead Artist. “This isn’t just public art. It’s public ownership.”
“I used to rush my kids through that tunnel — it felt unsafe,” said Alexandra Mariscu, a resident. “Now, we slow down to admire it. My son says it looks like the river is dancing on the wall.”
Tech-Powered Creativity: Salt Hill VR’s Role
Before the first brushstroke, the mural was brought to life through VR technology thanks to local innovation hub Salt Hill VR.
“We built a full-scale 3D model of the tunnel so the artists could preview the design, adjust colour palettes and refine scale before painting,” said Jay Younes, Immersive Producer at Salt Hill VR. “This cut the layout time dramatically and allowed the team to hit the ground running.”
Real Change Beyond the Artwork
The mural sparked wider improvements. Slough Borough Council, responding to community momentum, repaired potholes, fixed long-broken lighting, and improved the surrounding pathways, reinforcing the tunnel’s transformation into a safe and welcoming connector between parks.
“We believe in the positive power of paint and colour to transform lives and spaces,” added Becky Orton, Community Projects & Partnerships Lead at AkzoNobel (Dulux Paints), who provided materials and volunteering support “The ‘Water Lives Here’ mural is a shining example of what colour, community and creativity can achieve together.”
A Model for Grassroots Regeneration
“This is what Viva Slough is all about,” said Vineet Vijh, Director of Viva Slough. “Working with communities to reimagine the places around them. From an unloved underpass to a landmark mural, this is local action with lasting impact. We’re proud to celebrate it with Project Sponge and the people of Slough.”
Join Us for the Launch
Come and see the transformation for yourself on Friday, 19th July, with a celebration including live art, music, guided mural tours, and community activities.
Learn more: https://vivaslough.org/artscape/water-lives-here/