Press Release: Youth Takeover of Hotham Park Subway Complete
Published: 22 April 2026
PRESS RELEASE:
Project 39: completion of the Youth-Led Creative Transformation of Hotham Park Subway
An incredible transformation of an unloved subway in Bognor, led by young people, local school children and multiple artists and partners, has now been fully installed.
Now featuring over 70metres of original art, the project set out to turn the subway under Hotham Way into a space that celebrates local young people’s creativity and what they love about their town.
This project is part of Artswork’s Young Cultural Changemakers programme, which trains and empowers young people to lead creative initiatives that improve their communities.
Over the past few months, a group of 30 local young people aged 10-18 collaborated to develop the theme, curate the vibrant display, and shape the vision for the space. More than 300 children and young people contributed designs inspired by the theme “I LOVE Bognor” from schools including Felpham Community College, Edward Bryant, Rose Green, South Bersted and Southway Primaries, which have been transformed by commissioned artist Emma Ghafur (Tiger Monkey) into vibrant vinyl panels showcasing the work of more than 80 local children. Colourful ceiling panels were designed and produced by young people in the local Youth Justice restorative justice workshop.
Alongside this, young people selected and commissioned street artist AlecLDN to design new murals based on their ideas. The project was initially installed in November, with a large community celebration, but wet winter weather delayed the completion of the murals. Joining forces with new partner, Blakes Cottage Trust, additional murals have been designed by young people at 39 Club, inspired by Blake’s art and poetry, and the subway is now completely filled youth led art alongside its entire length (over 70metres in total).
Project 39 is a partnership effort, bringing together 39 Youth Club, Bognor Regis Town Council, West Sussex Youth Justice Service, Safer Arun Partnership, the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner and Blakes Cottage Trust. It represents a shared commitment to creativity, community, and youth voice which is the driving mission of charity Artswork’s projects across the South of England.
Beccy East - Creative Placemaking Producer for Artswork commented:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to finally get this project completed, meeting the level of ambition the young people guiding it and taking part have had from the start. All of our work at Artswork is youth-led, but this really had been the most youth centred project I have produced to date, and that is a testament to the commitment, energy and vision of Bognor’s young people, who have engaged to enthusiastically throughout.”
Michael McLaughlin, Committee Clerk to Bognor Regis Town Council stated:
“Project 39 has been amazing and surpassed our expectations. Through the use of art work, the children and youth of Bognor Regis have expressed their voice, their creativity and their inspirations to transform Hotham Park subway into a vibrant and colourful space and, we hope, leave a lasting legacy for the whole community to enjoy.”
Doug Nicholls – Chair of the Blakes Cottage Trust said:
“It was very inspiring to see young people inspired by the enduring imagery of Blake now inspiring future generations with their art. We hope the restored cottage will be a new visitor attraction for the area soon.”
Sheri Birch, 39 Club, Lead Youth Worker commented:
“39 Youth Club are proud to have been part of this incredible project. The young people were grateful for all they learned and are now inviting friends and family to see their work. I personally am delighted with the difference this has made not only to the underpass but also to the young people.”
Nathan Pryor, Youth Justice Support Officer, added:
“Project 39 has been a fantastic way to give young people in Bognor Regis a voice. With so many involved, including those within our service, it’s been a chance to give back and create something lasting. We hope this becomes a blueprint for future initiatives.”
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For more information about the project please contact Beccy East, Creative Placemaking Producer, Arun - RebeccaEast@artswork.org.uk
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Images – Credit: GS Creative Photography
