A popular mural in Manchester's Northern Quarter could be removed as part of plans for major repairs at a Grade-II listed building. The painting of a blue tit on the side of 50 Newton Street was created by artist Sarah Yates in 2011 as part of a street art project sponsored by Converse.
Planning application submitted
A planning application for the revamp of the building was submitted to Manchester council this month, and a decision could be made as soon as October. The design statement says the plans are being led by Aroundtown SA, a real estate company working in both the UK and Europe.
The report stated: “The painted bird mural had temporary planning permission in 2012 and this is proposed for removal along with other areas of graffiti across the building.”
Urgent repairs needed
Wider works to the building appear to be fairly urgent, involving a roof replacement and masonry works among other upgrades. The report continued: “The proposals relate to façade works to remedy failing materials or elements and defects and generally improve the condition of the exterior of the building. No works are proposed to the interior as part of this application.”
Sarah Yates, 39, said: “For the whole time it's been there I've had so many people who have even said things like they used to have a grim walk to work but it lifted their mood every day and made them smile. It has made a lot of people happy and had some kind of impact on them. Because so many people love it, for it not to be there anymore, I think some people would miss it.”
Artist's hopes for replacement
The artist explained that the work was painted on a wax surface, which she said is why it has started to fade over time. She chose to paint a blue tit to create a 'little disconnect' in the city and help people feel an association with nature despite Manchester’s urban environment.
Sarah added: “If there's a lot of money going into the revamp of the building, I think something should probably replace it, something that ties in with the building and the location to celebrate the culture of the area. People love street art in that part of Manchester. I think they should invest in public art and potentially recommission myself to do it, not just for me but for the people of the city who love nature and urban art, and bring those colours back into the city again. I think the developers should consider that. Long-term it is worth it for the people living there and for tourism too, if they leave it blank I think it would upset a lot of people. Manchester is proud of the fact that it was one of the first northern cities to have such a mural, and I think a lot of the local people feel like it's theirs, because it is theirs, it was for the community. It's my artwork but my idea was always to bring nature into the city, and people liked that idea and attached themselves to it.”
Local councillor's response
Councillor Jon-Connor Lyons said: “Manchester has enough grey walls, we shouldn’t be so quick to evict one of the Northern Quarter’s most colourful residents, and I’d urge those responsible to reconsider. I of course welcome the wider repairs to Hatters Hostel, which are badly needed. I am really saddened that Sarah Yates’ wonderful Blue Tit mural is set to disappear. It’s become a much-loved part of Newton Street and, as an avid birdwatcher myself, I’ve always liked that it celebrates, deliberately or otherwise, the amazing birdlife we have here in the city centre and across Greater Manchester. Street art is always evolving and murals aren’t necessarily intended to last forever, but I think a lot of people will miss this one and I hope this decision is reconsidered. Regardless however, it goes without saying that Sarah is a fantastic artist and we’d certainly be open to working with her to find further locations for additional murals, whether that’s another bird or something completely different. The Northern Quarter has some brilliant public art and we want to see that continue to grow.”
Aroundtown SA was approached for comment.
