South Shields residents set to get a new work of art of their doorstep

A tired-looking mosaic at Steward Crescent flats in Harton is to be restored later this year in a bid to brighten up the area.

The mosaic, which was installed when the flats were first built, will be redesigned by Newcastle-based visual artist Miki Z, who has worked on a number of community projects in Sunderland and South Tyneside.

The new mosaic is said to be the final ‘piece of the puzzle’ after months of refurbishments have taken place at the South Tyneside Homes properties.

The site has seen a complete external refurbishment, including rewiring, new doors, windows and security installed and paving put down outside.

The next phase of the development will see a new front door installed in each flat, the outer fencing replaced and recycling bins moved from the lawn to make the site look more appealing.

“When all the work is done we want to finish it off with the mosaic, it will be the final piece of the puzzle,” said Harton ward Councillor, Pat Hay.

“The mosaic was put in when the flats were built and it’s in a bad state of disrepair.

“We just wanted to brighten the area up, so that when people come out of their front doors they see something pleasant.”

Work on the mosaic is expected to begin in June.

While it is still in the very early stages, it is thought that the South Tyneside Council crest will be the centrepiece of the design.

Artist Miki Z, said she was looking forward to getting started on the project.

“The idea right now is to have something bright and colourful in order to make the area a bit more appealing,” she said.

“It would be nice if residents were able to see it from the top of the flats as well and once the bins are moved a fresh mosaic will help the flats look much more inviting.”

Miki added: “I’ve done lots of different community work from painting to felt making, so it will be nice to work on an outdoor piece.”