Artists to splash out at rail station
THE entrance to Macclesfield rail way station will be brought back to life as part of a colourful revamp.
The Town Council is commissioning an artist to create a new design for the space outside the station on Waters Green.
Bosses say they want to add a splash of creativity to the ‘drab’ grey concrete wall which currently wel- comes visitors.
Central ward councillors Beverley Dooley and Janet Jackson have narrowed the list of entries from around 50 local and national artists down to just three finalists.
They are Entrepreneurs, a public art specialist group; Simon Grennan and Christopher Sperandio, who have worked on international public art projects; and schools artist Tim Davies, a schools artist.
To make the final, art- ists were required to have experience of working with local authorities and community schemes.
The council is now asking residents to pick their favourite artist.
Pete Turner, Macclesfield Town Council clerk, told the Express the area is in desperate need of modernisation to help brighten up the dull concrete space.
He said: “We’re looking to improve the welcome at the train station.
“Currently those stepping off trains and leaving the station are faced with a drab grey wall and we want to brighten this up with some art that reflects the kind of welcome Macclesfield wants to give visitors and those returning home.
“We’ve been working with Virgin Trains and Cheshire East Council, who have been very supportive of the project.”
Examples of past work from the three finalists and information about the proposals for the station wall are on display at the Grosvenor Shopping Centre until Sunday, June 24.
The council has asked residents to fill in feedback forms and decide who they think should be chosen to lead the renovation.
The chosen artist will be commissioned next month and will work with the community to develop the design as it aims to reflect the culture, heritage and attractions of Macclesfield.
For more information about the project visit www.macclesfield-tc.gov. uk/ train- station- welcome-art.