Shopping centre bosses have unveiled their very own Neverland.

A ‘3D’ artwork inspired by JM Barrie’s Peter Pan has been created at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.

The piece, created by internationally-renowned pavement artist Julian Beever, boasts its own fairies, pirates and a Lost Boy.

And it is already proving a hit with youngsters who’ve already seen the attraction, which opens to the public on Friday.

It has been created to raise awareness of Peter Pan’s links with this region and a multi-million pound campaign to celebrate his creator’s legacy.

The Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust is transforming the historic house in Dumfries where Barrie was inspired to write his most famous character.

Its leaders are raising £5.8 million to open the National Centre for Children’s Learning and Literature, supported by actress Joanna Lumley, along with author and actor David Walliams.

Gretna Gateway’s attraction will be free to visit but people are being asked to make a donation to the Moat Bray Trust.


Lisa McNab Lisa McNab, the centre’s marketing manager, said: “Our new artwork is amazing and really gives the impression that you could just step off the red brick bridge into JM Barrie’s magical world.

“It will be a wonderful experience for families visiting and a great way for children inspired by the story and for shoppers to learn more about the trust’s amazing efforts.”

Some of Barrie’s colourful characters – from Pan and Wendy to Captain Hook – will be making collections in the shopping mall throughout next month, accompanied by a giant St Bernard dog as a tribute to Nana, the canine nursemaid to the Darling family in Peter Pan.

The trust hopes to open Moat Brae, which it believes will become an important tourist draw for the region, in 2018.

Project director Cathy Agnew is delighted with the artwork and the exposure it will bring.

She said: “It’s a great opportunity to share our magical story and our exciting plans with thousands of families and shoppers and to help raise the vital funds we need to create an Enchanted Land of Children’s Stories at Moat Brae, where Peter Pan began.”

Gretna Gateway has enjoyed a significant spell of expansion following the opening of a third phase last year.

Work is currently underway on building a second overspill car park.

The artwork will be in the unit beside the Next Outlet store. It will be open between 11am and 5pm until July 31.