Stockport’s new interchange is going to be a true work of art celebrating the town’s heritage.
Pictured: Altrincham Transport Interchange: for illustrative purposes only
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Stockport Council have appointed local artist Tim Ward – founder of Circling the Square – to create a public art feature at the town’s new transport interchange.
Circling the Square is a public arts and landscape design practice committed to working collaboratively in delivering projects within urban regeneration which are supported both by local communities and their project partners. Tim has been appointed to create the work, based on his vast experience of working in partnership with local communities on public art initiatives.
In preparation, Tim held a consultation session at Stockport Local Heritage Library earlier this month with local people to explore ways in which the town’s heritage might be reflected within the public art at Stockport’s new interchange.
Tim said: “It’s great to have been chosen to create and install the public art at Stockport’s new Interchange.
“A key element to my art is the ability to engage with local communities.
“The consultation session was incredibly useful, capturing the stories, knowledge and imagination of people in Stockport.”
The artwork at Stockport Interchange will be partly funded by National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, which aims to preserve the nation’s heritage and make it more accessible to people.
Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Economy and Regeneration, Councillor Kate Butler, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Tim Ward on this project. Public art plays an important role in injecting vibrancy into areas and bringing them to life.
“We want this piece to reflect our town’s important heritage, so it’s great to hear about residents sharing their thoughts and ideas at the event.”
Councillor Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, commented: “This is a very exciting time for Stockport. Quality public art, which the community has been involved with, is just one aspect of the improvements we expect to achieve over the coming years in the area.
“The consultation event has been a positive opportunity to engage local people in exploring Stockport’s heritage and the decision making that will inform Tim’s designs.”
This project is supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund
Image above shows the new transport interchange at Wythenshawe – for illustrative purposes only
The layout of the new interchange will provide improved access to and from the town centre, a new cycle hub facility opposite Mersey Square, a proposed lift facility leading to the A6 and new entry/exit points along Swaine Street.
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