East Midlands Designer Outlet dons new artwork inspired by local lingo

Two pieces of East Midlands-inspired artwork have been created on the side of a popular shopping centre on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border. 

The murals have been painted on the exterior of the East Midlands Designer Outlet to celebrate 25 years of the centre. 

The murals, which have been created by renowned local muralist Peachzz, feature bold, bright, and joyful colours to form the beautiful Peak District behind the ode to the local lingo ‘Ay Up!’. 

A second mural features the hands of the community holding up local flowers to represent the outlet’s focus on inclusion. 

Sheffield-based artist Peachzz has been creating murals for 10 years, with much of her work focussing on nature and life contrasting with the concrete structures of urban spaces. 

She said: “I am so pleased to have created these murals for East Midlands Designer Outlet. I used to live in Alfreton and visited the centre with my grandmother frequently.

“As you will see from the designs, I wanted to focus the murals on aspects of our local community. They feature elements such as the Peak District and local flora, including the Derbyshire flower. 

“My favourite part is the nod to the East Midlands with the expression, ‘Ay up.’  Inclusion is also a major focus for the centre, so I wanted to reflect that in my work by including the hands of members of our community holding the local flowers. 

“The centre and I have worked together closely to celebrate 25 years of East Midlands Designer Outlet and show off aspects of our community that we are very proud of.”

Paul Sutton, manager at the East Midlands Designer Outlet, added: “We are thrilled to announce the completion of our new murals at East Midlands Designer Outlet. 

“It was a pleasure working with Peachzz to create these incredible pieces of art that celebrate our community and emphasise our commitment of inclusion. 

“They bring vibrancy and creativity to our centre for all guests to enjoy.”