Leeds city gateway transformed by striking mythological mural

Under the heavy stone viaduct of Church Walk, two giant owls now soar across a canopy of brickwork. This isn’t a trick of the light near Leeds Minster, but the centerpiece of a new mural by internationally recognised artist Cbloxx. The work has turned a once-shadowy transit route into a vibrant gateway for the city, reimagining a place of everyday transit as a space shaped by memory and mythology.

A mythological reimagining of Church Walk

Cbloxx, also known as Jay Gilleard, is a Yorkshire-born multidisciplinary artist whose work often explores the intersection of the natural world and human history. In this latest piece, the imagery is deeply rooted in the specific geography of Leeds. The mural incorporates underwater scenes that serve as a direct reference to the River Aire, which flows just a short distance from the park.

A carved face emerging from a rock wall and subtle hints of industrial machinery pay homage to the city’s manufacturing heritage. Jay Gilleard explained that the work looks at how “something older still exists beneath the surface of the city,” exploring how landscape and memory continue to shape how people move through urban spaces, even when those elements are no longer immediately visible. The giant owls, a symbol synonymous with the Leeds coat of arms, act as guardians over the viaduct, bridging the gap between the city’s heraldic past and its modern cultural identity.

Layered history beneath the railway arches

Penny Pocket Park itself holds a unique place in the city’s layout, and the mural serves to highlight its complex history. Originally the graveyard for Leeds Parish Church (now Leeds Minster), the site underwent a massive transformation in the 1860s during the height of the railway boom. When the line was built, large amounts of soil were placed on top of existing graves to create the necessary incline for the tracks.

The gravestones were lifted and then meticulously re-laid in their original positions on the slopes of the railway line, where they remain today. This layering of Victorian engineering over an ancient burial ground creates a unique atmosphere that the new artwork seeks to respect and uplift. As Leeds prepares for the emotional return of the Rob Burrow Marathon, the revitalisation of these central green spaces reflects a broader ambition to make the city centre more welcoming and accessible for the thousands of visitors expected for major events.

Community-led regeneration and future plans

The mural is not merely an aesthetic addition but the first phase of a collaborative effort to repurpose the park. The project is a partnership between Leeds City Council, Groundwork Yorkshire, Wade’s Charity, Leeds Minster, and the Leeds Civic Trust. A vital component of the work has been the involvement of Getting Clean, a community interest company that provides peer support for people in addiction recovery.

Volunteers from Getting Clean assisted in cleaning the site and planting sunflower seeds, grounding the artistic project in social purpose and community care. Funding for the mural was provided by the government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered locally by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Looking ahead, the council has outlined a roadmap under the “Leeds Ambitions” goal to further revitalise the area around Leeds Minster. Subject to consultation, proposed future plans for Penny Pocket Park include upgrading footpaths, installing improved lighting to enhance safety, and adding more seating and landscaping. These efforts aim to transform the park from a simple thoroughfare into a destination where residents and workers can find a moment of quiet reflection amidst the city’s bustle.

Source: Leeds City Council