Wall to wall! Work is now complete on striking new ‘clean air’ mural at The Bulb Southampton

Not only does the new mural at The Bulb Southampton add a splash of colour to the cityscape – it’s also great for the environment.

In progress… Credit: Hannah Judah Photography

At 1,005 square feet, it takes the title of the UK’s largest ‘clean air’ mural thanks to some unique lime-based Graphenstone paint, which absorbs CO₂ as it cures.

It is estimated that the artwork will capture around 65kg of carbon each year, or the equivalent of three mature adult trees.

FI Real Estate Management, which has invested £3.5 million transforming Nelson Gate into the new STEM community hub, approached prolific French street artist Nerone to come up with a design for The Bulb.

Three different ideas for the mural made the shortlist and Southampton residents were invited to pick their favourite using QR codes dotted around Nelson Gate.

Finished! Credit: Hannah Judah Photography

Then, with a winning design selected, Nerone worked for three weeks alongside a team from Lawless Studio to bring the mural to life. The project also ran alongside a series of community workshops and events to help locals get creative.

The team at FI Real Estate Management is proud of the new artwork, which should help put The Bulb on the map and attract businesses to the area.

Head of Office Ryan Barber said: “This has been one of the most exciting and engaging projects I have worked on – the transformation is incredible, and we now have a stunning vibrant building where like-minded STEM businesses can come and work together.”