The suggested routes, and the artwork they include, can be viewed on Heart Trails - Stevenage Even Better. Over the coming weeks, each piece of artwork will have a plaque installed to share its history.

Councillor Simon Speller, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing at Stevenage Borough Council, comments: “Art brings joy to our everyday lives. It allows us to express how we feel, celebrate where we live and take pride in place. As a town with a wealth of history and heritage, immortalising this in artworks throughout Stevenage allows everyone to learn and enjoy. As the weather starts to improve, we encourage people to utilise these trails to enjoy being outdoors and celebrating all that is great about the town”.

Councillor Richard Henry, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council, added: “The regeneration of the town centre isn’t just about bricks and mortar. Alongside delivering new infrastructure, we are enhancing and celebrating the great things we already have as a town that make us unique. This includes the huge amount of artwork across the borough that we hope will be enjoyed and understood by everyone. With the support of the Stevenage Development Board through the Towns Fund, we are opening this up to be explored and appreciated by our current and future residents and communities”.

Stacked Stories, the mosaic sculpture at the Stevenage Bus Interchange by artist Donna Reeves, marks the first piece of new public artwork commissioned for the trail.

Artist Donna Reeves adds: "I’m incredibly proud to have created this community artwork for the Stevenage Bus Interchange. It is a town that holds deep personal significance for me and my family. Reconnecting with the town through art has meant a great deal to me. I’d like to extend my thanks to Stevenage Borough Council, Junction 7 Creatives, my team and Stevenage community for their support and enthusiasm throughout the project. This mosaic sculpture is a celebration of the power of art to bring people together, and I’ve loved every moment of making it".

The Heart Trails have been funded by government’s Towns Fund through the Stevenage Development Board.

Adrian Hawkins OBE, Chair of the Stevenage Development Board said: “I am delighted to celebrate the launch of the Stevenage Heart Trails. A key part of the work of The Stevenage Development Board is making sure that everyone is proud of where they live and where they come from. Artworks are an essential part of this, adding colour and vibrancy to celebrate everything that is great about Stevenage.

“Working in collaboration with both the borough and county council, our recently completed programme of underpass artworks has proven incredibly popular with the local community. The Heart Trails are an extension of this, commemorating the heritage the town has whilst mirroring this in new, modern artworks.

“The project has been funded by the Stevenage Development Board through national government’s Towns Fund, of which Stevenage received £37.5m in March 2021. The Board has channelled funding for projects in the town into several key areas such as the healthy enjoyment of our facilities and improving cycling and pedestrian connectivity.

“I look forward to seeing the remaining artworks and signage installed for everyone to enjoy!”

The programme of underpass improvements and urban artworks recently delivered were a partnership between Stevenage Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council. The Heart Trails have the full support of the county council and have been delivered collaboratively.

Mark Doran, Executive Director of Growth and Environment at Hertfordshire County Council said: “Projects like the Stevenage Heart Trails show how we can connect people with their local environment in new and engaging ways. By linking high-quality public art with accessible, traffic-free routes, we’re creating spaces that encourage people to walk, wheel, cycle, or take the bus and explore their communities.

“This collaborative programme not only celebrates Stevenage’s identity and heritage, but also supports healthier, more sustainable travel choices. It’s a great example of partners working together to deliver improvements that enhance everyday journeys and help make our places more vibrant and enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.”