WIMBORNE’S Hanham Road underpass has been transformed into a colourful collage of flowers, buzzing bees, brightly feathered birds and exotic creatures.

The 52-foot-long tunnel, which allows safe passage under Hanham Road from the Allendale car parks and river path to the town centre, has undergone a colourful makeover by local artist Kizzi Bennett, founder of Kizzi B Creative.

The mural was fully funded by the Wimborne Business Improvement District (BID).

Over the past two months, Kizzi collaborated with 12 post-16 students from Beaucroft College, guiding them through the creative process as they worked toward their Arts Award Accreditation.

The mural was officially unveiled with a poetic proclamation by town crier Chris Brown, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Wimborne Minster Mayor councillor Jeff Hart, alongside mayoress Barbara Hart.

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Mayor of Wimborne, Jeff Hart, artist Kizzi Bennett, Wimborne BID manager Tammy Sleet, Chair of Wimborne BID Fiona Harwood, Beaucroft College Visual Arts Leader Laura Byford and a sixth form art student Picture: Wimborne BID

Councillor Hart praised the “innovative and colourful” artwork and the dedication of the students.

“We’re all fortunate to live in this beautiful town and projects like this add even more to its wonder,” he said.

“I’m sure the people of Wimborne will be impressed with this project that Wimborne BID has kindly funded.”

He added: “Thanks are also due to teacher, Laura Byford, who has supported the sixth formers, all of whom have found their mural designs a great part of their course.”

Laura Byford, visual arts leader at Beaucroft College, called the collaboration “a huge success,” highlighting the value of giving students a real-world opportunity to create meaningful public art.

The unveiling of the new mural in the Hanham Road underpass Picture: Wimborne BID

The students themselves expressed pride and joy in seeing their work on display.

One said: “It makes me feel good knowing my work is on display and lots of people will see it.”

Another said: “Being involved in the project has made me happy. I enjoyed creating art that is personal to me.”

Cllr Shane Bartlett, cabinet member for planning at Dorset Council, said: “All the artists involved should be congratulated. It has truly brightened up the area.”

Chair of Wimborne BID, Fiona Harwood said: “Ten years ago, we installed a photographic wall wrap here. We’re proud to have now managed and funded this new transformation—an uplifting and imaginative mural brought to life through partnership, creativity and community.”