Makeover Planned for Subways Under A40 Near Hanger Hill
Artists invited to submit designs for graffiti-covered underpasses
Cllr Athena Zissimos at the Mason’s Green Lane underpass
December 9, 2025
A series of pedestrian subways in Hanger Hill are to undergo a long-awaited refurbishment, with funding from local development contributions earmarked for new artwork, upgraded CCTV and wider environmental improvements.
The Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), which oversees planning for the underpasses beneath the A40 – including the busy Mason’s Green Lane route to Park Royal station – has confirmed that Section 106 funds will be used to redecorate the graffiti-ridden tunnels. Local artists are being invited to help shape the new look.
The move follows sustained lobbying from Ealing Liberal Democrat councillors Athena Zissimos and Jonathan Oxley, who have raised concerns about the degraded condition of the subways and pedestrian routes in their Hanger Hill ward. Cllr Zissimos said she has been in ongoing discussions with OPDC to push for the redecoration of the subway, improvements to CCTV in Mason’s Green Lane and further public-realm upgrades.
As well as the planned artwork, s106 funding has been allocated for CCTV works scheduled for 2026, and OPDC is exploring additional improvements including better lighting, street furniture, paving and planting to make the area feel safer and more welcoming.
Cllr Zissimos, who leads on Environment, Streets, Parks and Climate Change for the Liberal Democrat group, said, “The Ealing Liberal Democrats are pleased that engaging with these various parties in a coordinated way is starting to bear fruit for the local residents in Hanger Hill, Park Royal and around. It is disappointing to see that Ealing Labour have not been pro-active in a way that would bring benefits to the area.”
OPDC is seeking an artist or artist team to redesign the Mason’s Green Lane underpass as a “vibrant and welcoming public route” into Park Royal. The organisation says the existing tunnel currently feels “disconnected and uninviting”, despite being a key access point from Park Royal station.
The selected artist will work with OPDC and the local community to create a mural or integrated artwork that reflects local diversity, community pride and sustainable travel. Designs may include painting, tiling, re-cladding or other durable materials, with proposals required to be weather-resistant, low-maintenance and achievable within a £50,000 budget.
The winning design is expected to be announced in February 2026, with installation planned by late summer 2026.
The upgrades form part of a broader effort to improve pedestrian connections and safety across Park Royal and Hanger Hill, as redevelopment continues across the wider Old Oak regeneration zone.
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