Three striking Tasmanian tigers now leap off the grey backdrop of Burnie's Kmart plaza. The mural project is the handy work of Burnie artist Ariel Pascoe.

Pascoe said she had a few different ideas at the start, including an eagle. "I don't usually paint wild life. I did have a few different ideas and this was the one that I thought was most effective," Pascoe said pointing to the tiger painted around the bench.

Business North-West project coordinator Cyndia Hilliger said this was part of a bigger project of what would happen if the Tasmanian tigers had escaped.

"I pose the question, what happened if they actually escaped," Ms Hilliger said. "Maybe they became giant tigers that lived on the side of the Burnie Plaza and the hunted became the hunter."

She said the project was instigated by Business Northwest with the support and financial backing of the Burnie Council.

"Having big blank, empty walls like this is quite depressing. It's kind of like a wasted opportunity, so what better way than to bring a bit of life back into the city."

Ms Hilliger said Business Northwest were focused on the revitalisation of Burnie and creating spaces where people want to hang out.

"Because we think that helps a lot with community well being."

She said there was also economic benefits of making the town more attractive.

Article taken from The Advocate Newspaper.