THE team at Five Valleys Shopping Centre in Stroud have marked the unveiling of their new living wall sculpture today with the art student who helped design the feature.

The owners of Five Valleys, Dransfield Properties, launched the competition with Stroud College Art and Design students back in January 2019.

The competition was judged my Mark Dransfield, managing director of Dransfield Properties and David Owen, chief executive of GFirst LEP.

Francesca Smith was studying art at Stroud College when she entered the competition and was chosen by a panel of judges to have her design installed onto the side of the newly refurbished multi-story car park in the town centre.

The new 11-metre high living wall sculpture can be seen from the A46 Merrywalks Road and consists of a selection of different textured green and red plants.

Francesca said: “My inspiration for the design came from the production of military uniforms in Stroud with the scarlet plants representing a strand of thread.

"My initial inspiration for the living wall, however, was in response to the current climate crisis and how ecosystems can still exist in urban environments.

“I have really enjoyed developing the designs with the team at Five Valleys and learning about the logistics of bringing the living wall to life."

Mark Dransfield said: “Francesca’s design was chosen unanimously as our winning design which is a real tribute to the town and perfectly reflects the true sense of Stroud.”

Siobhan Baillie, MP for Stroud said: “I am so pleased to be involved with the unveiling of this impressive living wall sculpture at Five Valleys.

"We are so lucky in Stroud to have incredible creative talent like Francesca and the art school students. The sculpture is a wonderful addition to the town."

To keep up to date with development progress at Five Valleys visit www.fivevalleysstroud.co.uk