Aspiring local artist creates artwork on Stonebridge Estate hoarding

Posted 17/05/2021

17 year old aspiring Brent artist, Hannah Poorman has created an eye-catching masterpiece on the hoarding of Higgins Partnerships, site on the Stonebridge Estate. The young artist, who is currently studying Art and Design at college and dreams of becoming an architect, was approached by Higgins after they advertised for a local artist to create some artwork for their hoarding.

Balancing returning to college full time due to the pandemic and creating the idea for the hoarding, Hannah has produced a breath-taking masterpiece which residents have already given their stamp of approval. The piece is dedicated to all residents, old and new, on the Stonebridge estate.

Hannah Poorman comments, “I really enjoyed it, especially as the painting started to come together more and more. It was great to have the company of the residents stopping by and telling their stories and I really appreciated all the support I received. I enjoyed painting and it was a great experience for me.”

Higgins Partnerships was awarded the contract by Brent Council for the redevelopment of the Hillside and Milton Avenue sites as part of the redevelopment of the Stonebridge estate. The two sites form part of the masterplan to sensitively redevelop within the heart of Stonebridge, with the aim of strengthening and improving community amenities and to enrich the local environment.

Amy Ross, Head of Social Value at Higgins Partnerships said, “We are delighted with what Hannah has produced. Her talent is undeniable, and we were really happy to give her the opportunity to express her vision of Stonebridge through her art. I know it has meant a lot to her to see her work on display at this scale and we hope everyone enjoys it as they walk past.”

Brent’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Welfare Reform, Councillor Eleanor Southwood, said:“I’m sure everyone will join me in thanking Hannah for sharing her exceptional talent with us through this artwork. Not only does it add a splash of colour to the hoarding, but the meaning behind it is just as bright, and I’m pleased that the local community have been represented in this way.”

Higgins will design and build 73 mixed tenure new homes and one retail unit with new public open space linking the two sites. The Hillside site will consist of 51 one, two and three bedroom apartments, across two blocks, up to seven storeys in height with a roof terrace on both blocks, while the Milton Avenue site will feature a terrace of twenty two, four bedroom, three storey townhouses.

The Hillside site will also have a ground level under croft car park with 22 spaces and a landscaped podium on the first floor level which links the two blocks.

The new public open space will feature hard and soft landscaping with a new playground and outdoor gym included and a series of bridges over the existing canal feeder that runs through the sites.