DESIGNS from students at a Basingstoke college will be in the spotlight as part of a public vote where residents will get the chance to pick their favourite which will be brought to life as a new piece of public art.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been working with artists to brighten Top of Town with a trail of colourful artwork, as part of its Streets Alive project.

Students from Queen Mary's College studying the Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in art and design have created their own designs for the final bench in Winchester Street, in the Top of Town, which will be transformed through the Streets Alive project.

READ MORE: PICTURES: Basingstoke artists and school children create community art wall

Their designs will be showcased to the public as part of a special exhibition at Proteus Creation Space, with the public encouraged to vote for their favourite design.

The exhibition will be open on the following days:
•    Wednesday, February 28, from 9.30am to 4pm
•    Thursday, February 29, from 9.30am to 4.30pm

The winning design will be painted by the students this spring on to the bench opposite Alchemy Bar and Lounge at 16 Winchester Street.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture, Cllr Kerry Morrow said: "Budding professional artists from QMC have shown their artistic talent and we have been impressed by the quality of the designs and their creative take on celebrating Basingstoke and Deane.

“Please take the time to pop along to the exhibition and vote for your favourite design which you would like to see brought to life by the students, adding to the fantastic street art that we have across Basingstoke."

Queen Mary's College CEO and principal Mark Henderson said: "Working with the council on this project has provided a great opportunity for our students to gain experience working as professional artists and also make a meaningful contribution to the community.

"This exhibition is the perfect event to share and celebrate their creativity together with the local residents. We hope as many people as possible can come and support such a wonderful initiative. Queen Mary’s College is delighted to be able to play a part in shaping the future of Basingstoke."

Streets Alive was designed to support the borough’s economic recovery after the pandemic and to encourage people to return to the town centre.

The council worked with local artists and poets to brighten the area with over 40 pieces of street art.

Along with benches, planters and telecoms boxes were also brought to life in the Top of Town.

The Streets Alive project was originally made possible with support from the government’s Welcome Back Fund, the European Regional Development Fund, Arts Council England and Openreach.