Oaklands College students bring Hatfield town centre project to life

A selection of creative works by budding artists was unveiled in Hatfield town centre this week, as part of an ongoing project between Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council and local students.

Students from Oaklands College created the pieces which decorate the walkway from the multi-storey car park into White Lion Square.

The art encompasses a range of styles and is based on the theme of ‘Generation Next’, looking at what the world might be like post-pandemic.

Councillors unveiled the artwork alongside students and lecturers from Oaklands as well as board members of the Hatfield Renewal Partnership.

The unveiling was part of a wider tour of the town centre, as part of the ongoing Hatfield 2030+ Partnership’s regeneration plans.

Leader of the council and Hatfield 2030+ member, Tony Kingsbury, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to continue this project and highlight some of the artistic talent we have locally. It’s fitting that the art on display comes from the artists of the future as we look to unlock the potential of Hatfield through its regeneration.

“I’d like to thank the students for their hard work, and I hope the community are as impressed as we are by the quality of their work.”

Andrew Slade, Principal and CEO at Oaklands College, said: “Oaklands is rooted in supporting its communities in a wide range of ways and I am very pleased that our students played such an active role in this important project.  It’s particularly fitting, given that the College begins to mark its centenary and looks forward to the next 100 years, that the theme of the project was also looking forwards to the next generation.  We’re very proud of the work our students have produced.”

Art by pupils from Oaklands, Onslow St Audrey’s and Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School is already on display along the other key walkways to White Lion Square.

It’s the second time that Oaklands students have contributed towards the regenerative efforts of the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, having created murals in a similar brief in 2019, where they were encouraged to base their public art on three themes; the memory of the past, interpretation of the present and desires for the future.