Residents in a Middlesbrough neighbourhood have celebrated the remarkable transformation of a once-neglected alleyway into a vibrant community space, marking the culmination of months of creative collaboration.
From Fly-Tipping to Flourishing Space
Families living on Beaumont Road, Peaton Street and Edward Street had long endured problems with fly-tipping behind their homes. The alleyway had become an eyesore that affected the entire neighbourhood.
Over the summer, determined neighbours came together to tackle the issue head-on. They organised clean-up operations, designed murals, and shared ideas for how the neglected space could be brought back to life. Children and parents played a crucial role in shaping the designs and creating the artwork that would transform the area.
Artistic Collaboration and Community Spirit
Local residents and professional artists JoJo Falloon-Shakespeare and Rezhna Kafaf worked alongside families to brighten up the walls. Their partnership began naturally when they met through their children attending school together.
Rezhna, who moved to the UK just over a year ago from the city of Ranya in Kurdistan where she worked as an art supervisor, found the project helped her feel settled and welcomed in North Ormesby. She shared: "JoJo made me open up and introduce myself. When I showed her my art, she wanted me to get involved. I feel like JoJo is my family and I now feel very settled here in the community."
Together, JoJo and Rezhna guided children living along the alley as they painted the main mural featuring a vibrant peacock and swan. Additional artwork includes a Remembrance mural nearing completion and an Avengers-themed section proudly showcased by five-year-old Tommy.
A Community Celebration and Lasting Impact
On Halloween, neighbours gathered in the newly transformed alleyway – now complete with murals, planters and seating – to celebrate their collective achievement. The celebration featured shared food including the Kurdish delicacy kuba, prepared by Rezhna.
JoJo explained the community-driven approach: "This is what the community wanted. We looked into getting a professional mural artist, but it was too expensive. So I offered to help, and everyone pitched in. It was a mess down here but now look at it – everyone's talking to each other and taking care of it."
Staff from Middlesbrough Council supported the project by cleaning and preparing the alleyway and facilitating the artistic transformation. Neighbourhood development officer Kieran Rudd, based at the nearby North Ormesby Hub, visited with community development officers Darren Daniels and Jessica Taylor and praised what residents had achieved.
Rudd added: "It's fantastic to see the work that's gone on here. This is a community coming together and taking ownership of where they live. We've supported residents where we can, but they deserve the credit."
The project has not only transformed a physical space but has strengthened community bonds, demonstrating the power of local collaboration in neighbourhood regeneration.
