Morningside Arena First in Leicester Waterworks Transformation Project

Leicester’s waterways are set to be transformed with a series of colourful artworks as part of a major community arts project beginning this summer.

Five large-scale murals will brighten up parts of the city’s riverside and canal corridor thanks to a partnership between Leicester City Council, the Canal & River Trust and local arts company Graffwerk.

Over the coming months, local artists from the Graffwerk street art collective will carry out specially commissioned pieces at key locations across the city.

The first commission has already seen the canal side wall of the Morningside Arena transformed with a large-scale mural celebrating home champions Leicester Riders alongside a tribute to basketball icon Kobe Bryant.

Kevin Routledge, director of the Morningside Arena and chairman of Leicester Riders, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this stunning community arts project. The Morningside Arena’s location alongside the new Charter Street bridge leading to Abbey Park, has seen much-increased footfall and cycling.

“We think people using the park and canal will be very impressed with the artwork. The design strongly captures the essence of the arena with its community focus and great events, as well as being home of the Riders.”

The Morningside Arena project will be followed by artworks at Abbey Park underpass, Soar Island wall and Lime Kiln Lock on the edge of Abbey Park. The recently constructed flood relief culvert at Loughborough Road Bridge will also be brightened up with a specially commissioned design.

The artworks will celebrate the sites’ wildlife and history and include improved waymarking to help people find their way along Leicester’s waterways and make more use the city’s towpaths and riverside walking routes.

The £45,000 project is funded by the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) with £30,000 of Government cash from the Local Growth Fund, and by the Canal & River Trust through its Community Roots programme, which is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Liz Fleuty, community engagement manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: We’re so excited to be a part of this project which will brighten up the waterside and make a visit to the towpath even more appealing

“For many Leicester’s waterways are an undiscovered gem and we’re hoping that, once finished, these artworks help to attract more people down to the waterside and encourage them to see their local canal or river in a whole new light.

“More than a third of people in Leicester live less than a kilometre from a canal or river – which have such an important role to play in daily life, helping us to keep active and clear our minds. By brightening spaces up and creating new places of interest we hope this project will enable more people to feel those benefits for themselves.”

Deputy City Mayor for environment and transportation Cllr Adam Clarke said: “Leicester boasts some beautiful riverside and towpath routes but there are some parts that need a bit of a lift. We are keen to work with partner organisations like CRT and the Inland Waterways Association to do that and help more people discover the city’s riverside.

“These new artworks will brighten up key locations along our waterways, signposting routes, attractions and areas of interest and encourage people to explore more of the city’s beautiful riverside and canal by walking and cycling.

“We have worked with Graffwerk on a number of projects over the years, with events like Bring the Painthelping to create stunning artworks in the city centre. I am excited to see how this latest project will transform and brighten key waterside locations.”

Izzy Hoskins, co-director at Graffwerk, said: “Graffwerk is extremely excited to be delivering these large-scale artworks alongside some incredible artists. Being based upon the canal side ourselves it means a lot for us to be involved in projects within the local community.”

The project may involve some short-term towpath closures while the artists are working. This will be clearly signed and alternative routes suggested. All work will be carried out only when it is safe to do so, and with strict social distancing in place.

Thank you for your continued support

Leicester Riders Chairman Kevin Routledge has thanked all Riders fans, after an outpouring of support following the postponement of the BBL 2019/20 season.

The BBL announced last Tuesday a suspension of the current season indefinitely, because of the national measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

No date has been set for a possible resumption to the season, with the BBL awaiting updated Government advice.

“These are challenging times for the Riders, and the BBL, in common with other professional leagues and clubs.”

“Indeed the challenges are being faced across a lot of sectors of industry in these unprecedented times, and so we have to be understanding, and keep a perspective.”

“In addition, we are rightly proud of the work in the community of our Foundation, but now their activities will be significantly curtailed, particularly due to the schools closure.”

“We are also extremely proud that we were the first club in the BBL to build their own venue, the Morningside Arena, and that too had to be closed to the public as of last Friday evening, with the most recent announcement by the Prime Minister.”

“The public generally may not be aware, but the Morningside Arena is owned by our charity, the Leicester Riders Foundation, and inevitably, as the largest indoor venue in the city, it has significant overheads.”

“If any of our supporters, or the public, wished to provide further support, donations to our Foundation will greatly assist us continuing with a reduced service.”

“The total loss of revenues to those three organisations, as a result of the suspension and closures, could reach £1 million, depending upon how long the closures continue.”

“This means it will take some time for us to recover.”

“We are exploring every opportunity to continue to make some use of the arena, in line with Government advice and guidelines, during these challenging times.”

“But we have been overwhelmed with messages of support from our players, fans, sponsors, funders and suppliers.”

“We are particularly thankful that we have not yet had a single request for a ticket refund for the advanced sales for the remaining Riders home games, which is hugely helpful to sustaining our businesses through these difficult times, while we find out if the season can resume.”

“In addition, all our sponsors have remained very supportive and are offering their help and expertise.”

“Also, all the players and staff of the Riders, and the staff of our Foundation and Arena, have stepped up and voluntarily agreed short term reductions in wages to help get us through these unprecedented conditions.”

“And we have been delighted with the support from our main suppliers, who have shown great flexibility in terms of payment, notwithstanding some having their own difficulties.”

“We have also had support and advice from the Council, which has been very helpful, particularly recognising that the demands on their leadership and staff are immense in these circumstances.”

“We particularly welcome the announcement by the Chancellor on Friday night, to support keeping people in work. That will be boost for all businesses like ours.”

“We are also aware that the BBL is having conversations with national government to see what support might be forthcoming because of the damage to our sport.”

“The Riders continue preparations so that we can restart to finish the current season, although understandably some of our overseas players like Kyron Cartwright, Corey Johnson and Namon Wright returned to the US, in light of pending or threatened travel bans by American authorities.”

“We will address the strength of our playing squad, once clarity is provided on what happens next.”

“The Riders will also accelerate our preparations for next season, and in that regard we will launch our season tickets offer for the 2020/21 season later this week.”

“Any of our fans who can afford to buy theirs soon would make a huge difference to the short and medium term sustainability of the Leicester Riders.”

“I understand that many of our fans and their families are facing similar financial uncertainty, but even a small contribution could go a long way.”

“Meanwhile everyone at the Club, the Foundation and at the Arena remains resolute, and determined to stay safe, comply with Government guidelines, and get back, in due course, to normal business.”