The Springwood commuter carpark is undergoing a transformation, thanks to a beautification project funded by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice.
Delivered by Blue Mountains City Council, the project includes the installation of two new murals, as well as lighting and landscaping for the commuter carpark area.
These improvements are designed to brighten the multi-storey carpark, reduce graffiti, improve safety, and showcase the Blue Mountains vibrant artistic community.
Works have commenced with lighting installed and two murals completed by Blue Mountains street artists MAN.de and a collaboration between Scott Nagy and Krimsone.
Artists were selected through a staged selection process in April 2022, with applicants asked to develop a vibrant, contemporary piece that engages with the natural beauty or cultural diversity of the Blue Mountains.
The selected proposals reflect the unique identity of Springwood, celebrate our World Heritage area and welcome visitors to the township and train station.
MAN.de’s mural features on the exterior wall of the carpark stairwell, closest to the Springwood Train Station pedestrian underpass.
Her colourful design enlivens the stairwell with an oversized arrangement of flowers native to the region, including Pink Matchheads, Everlasting Daisies and Flannel Flowers, embraced by two arms.
MAN.de is passionate about the preservation and significance of Springwood’s Indigenous flowers and plant diversity, stating “these remarkable species have played an integral role in the culture and heritage of Traditional Owners for thousands of years.
“Their mindful stewardship of the land has allowed numerous species to thrive and endure, enriching our lives with invaluable knowledge and joy across generations. By portraying native plants and animals in urban settings, I aim to emphasise this connection and remind us of our responsibility as caretakers.”
The south-west facing exterior panels opposite Ferguson Road roundabout have been transformed by local street art legends, Scott Nagy and Krimsone.
Both grew up in the Blue Mountains and have a personal connection to Springwood.
Krimsone explains, “We have both dreamt of painting this wall for over a decade. It was on my local commute to primary school, the bus stop to high school and the commute to the train station in the early years of my studies at art school.”
The subject of the mural, Birdwood Gully, was frequently explored by the artists throughout their childhood as shown through the young birdwatcher observing an endangered Regent Honeyeater. The track to Birdwood Gully begins just metres from the mural site, with its magical glow-worm habitat, tall eucalypts and waterfalls.
Further landscaping works are planned to commence later this year, completing the transformation of the commuter carpark and creating a more inviting and pleasant environment for commuters.
This Graffiti Management Grant project is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Department of Communities and Justice.
Photo: Springwood Commuter Carpark_Man.de’s mural at Springwood Train Station
