REGENT Close has been given a facelift this week.

A pair of artists have been painting a huge mural, entitled ‘My Town, My World’, on the side of a stairway close to the Wyvern Theatre, with the final masterpiece to be unveiled at noon tomorrow.

Swindon-born street artist Martin Travers, who runs educational programmes in Amsterdam and Kathmandu, is working alongside and mentoring Peter Crowdy.

The mural had been set to appear on the Aspen House hoarding in Regent Street before Swindon Borough Council sold the building, prompting a rethink. A suitable alternative was only finalised on Monday.

The inSwindon BID team, in partnership with Artsite and Swindon Climate Action Network, launched the project to help re-energise the town centre and boost community arts.

Its CEO, Di Powell, said: “The mural is a popular concept for the town centre.

“The support we’ve received to make it happen is a credit to the town. Collaboration between Swindon Borough Council, Artsite, the artists and everyone involved has led to the mural continuing on time, despite its alternative location.

“The project wouldn’t have happened without the support of businesses in the town centre.

“The Brunel has kindly donated the paint and materials for the project and Bower and Bailey on Regent Circus has made a financial investment to support community projects for the town centre. We’re excited to be revealing the final masterpiece this weekend.”

Rob Faulkner, site facilities manager for The Brunel shopping centre and chair of the inSwindon BID Clean and Well-Maintained working group added: “Community projects in the town centre help to raise its profile and improve the perception of the town. We recognise that we need to work together as a community to support these projects and were delighted to support it by providing the materials and paint for the mural.”

Dale Heenan, the council’s cabinet member for the town centre, said: “This mural is the brainchild of Artsite and paid for by businesses, through inSwindon BID.

“It’s something a little different for our town and brings character to the cultural area around the Wyvern Theatre and library.

“Their efforts should be welcomed by all residents, and I hope the council can continue to facilitate more ideas like this in the future.”