This week, a striking new artwork will appear on the pavement at the gateway to Ipswich Waterfront, marking the beginning of an innovative trial led by Suffolk County Council in collaboration with established street art specialists, Art Eat.
This project explores the transformative potential of painted street surfaces to enhance public spaces, a practice gaining momentum across Europe and now increasingly adopted throughout the UK. Pavement and road art is proving to be a powerful tool in urban place-making, adding vibrancy, improving perceptions of safety, and encouraging community interaction.
Art Eat, a leading mural production and street art organisation based in East Anglia, has been at the forefront of this movement since 2019. With a strong track record of delivering large-scale murals, community-driven events, and artist-led festivals, Art Eat brings both creative expertise and practical experience to this pilot initiative.
Notable recent projects include the highly acclaimed Wild Walls Ipswich festival, which brought international street artists to the town. Signature works such as “Lady Marina” by ATMA on the James Hehir Building, “Ladybird” by WOSERSKI on Portman Road, and “A Place to Be Yourself” by K&B DESIGNS on Great Colman Street continue to draw attention and elevate Ipswich’s cultural profile.
“We’re excited to contribute our expertise to this street enhancement pilot,” said Iona Hodgson, Co-Director of Art Eat. “We’ve seen the positive impact that street art has on how people use and feel about their surroundings. It brings character, colour, and a sense of identity to everyday spaces.”
The trial at St. Peter’s Dock will also assess the practical aspects of surface painting, with two types of paint applied to different surfaces to evaluate performance and accessibility. Public feedback is being actively encouraged, particularly from partially sighted and neurodiverse individuals to ensure inclusivity and safety remain central to future plans.
Councillor Paul West, Suffolk County Council Cabinet member for Operational Highways, Flooding and Ipswich, said: “We want to see more of this kind of creative intervention across Suffolk. Art can transform overlooked areas into places of joy and interest. This trial helps us test both the visual and functional impact.”
Art Eat is also working with the Ipswich BID and local partners to plan the return of Wild Walls in 2026, and continues to welcome opportunities to collaborate on creative projects that bring art into public and community spaces, from walls and playgrounds to streets and building interiors.
