Pupils bring colour and creativity to Blackbird Leys hoardings

Local schoolchildren in Blackbird Leys have helped to brighten up their neighbourhood with a colourful new mural, thanks to a creative community project supported by Peabody. 

Published: 22/05/2025

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Pupils from The Orion Academy came up with the idea to decorate the construction fencing opposite their classrooms, which forms part of the hoardings around Peabody’s regeneration works in the area. 
 
These hoardings are in place while much-needed affordable homes and a new community centre are being built in partnership with Oxford City Council.
 
The idea came from the school council, who presented their plan to Peabody. The children chose a nature theme, and Peabody provided the art materials to help bring their vision to life. Every pupil in the school took part – painting bright and cheerful flowers, bees, and butterflies to create a more pleasant view for the school and the wider community. 
 
“It was such a great idea, and we were really pleased the children approached us,” said Kris Hall, Senior Development Manager for Peabody. 
 
“The mural looks brilliant and really helps to brighten up what was very plain fencing before. It was a real pleasure to work with the pupils and their teachers.” 
 
The mural is now a colourful focal point for the area and a lovely example of what can be achieved when the community comes together. 
 
Peabody is currently delivering 294 new homes across Knights Road and the District Centre as part of the wider regeneration of Blackbird Leys. These include homes for social rent and shared ownership, alongside new shops, green spaces, improved cycle routes and a brand-new purpose-built community centre.