• Avanti West Coast supports project to expand outdoor public art in Macclesfield
• Specially designed trail map enables people to visit cultural points of intertest
• Macclesfield station welcomes art installations that celebrate Cheshire town

Avanti West Coast has helped boost a Cheshire town’s public artwork, as part of a unique project to create a local art trail.

Working with the local authorities at Cheshire East and Macclesfield, the intercity operator has supported the town to welcome eight new pieces of art and create a specially designed trail map that identifies local cultural interest spots.

The Macclesfield art trail – a collection of outdoor public art installations located across the area – brings together existing artwork in the town centre, as well as the recently-commissioned pieces of art that pay tribute to the community.

Macclesfield station, which is managed by Avanti West Coast and served by its Pendolino trains, is the location for two artworks – a townscape and large-scale mural.

The metal townscape outside the main entrance of the station was designed by sculptor, Tim Davies, using images created by young people in Macclesfield. Featuring landmarks, including designer furniture store, Arighi Bianchi, and the original Hovis Mill, the art piece reflects the town’s rich heritage.

UK-based street artist, Peachzz, painted the large mural on the lift tower. Inspired by Macclesfield artist, Charles Tunnicliffe, who remains one of Britain’s most popular artists of the natural world, the mural features swifts in a nod to the town’s efforts to increase the local population of the species.

Supported through Avanti West Coast’s Customer and Communities Investment Scheme – a funding pot available for projects that bring positive changes to communities local to the West Coast Main Line – the self-guided trail features 20 pieces of art in total spread across Macclesfield that can be enjoyed using the illustrated map.

The map has been specially designed to guide residents and visitors to major artworks at their leisure and was created by an illustrator whose work adorns the interior of Macclesfield station’s footbridge – an illustration celebrating the town’s heritage and culture.

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Macclesfield, said: “We’re proud to have supported the Macclesfield art trail, as we want to champion the people, places, and communities we serve while making a positive difference locally. There is now a brilliant range of artwork located across the town and we’re excited Macclesfield station is home to some beautiful pieces that feature in the trail.

“Macclesfield station is an important gateway to the region, and with a townscape created with the help of local young people and a mural inspired by Charles Tunnicliffe, we hope it will give residents a sense of pride, as well as offer a warm welcome to those visiting the area by train or taking part in the trail.”

Councillor Nick Mannion, Vice Chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said: “The installation of these significant artworks has been an outstanding project to be involved with and I am extremely grateful to our colleagues at Avanti West Coast, who made it possible.

“Working on these projects has been a truly collaborative experience – the input of local residents and the Macclesfield Cultural Forum especially, has been integral to the final works we can all now enjoy.

“The artworks that have been delivered with this grant funding will encourage people to stay in the town longer, which in turn will support local businesses and impact positively on the visitor economy. I’m really impressed with how this funding has managed to go so far in terms of the added impact to the presence of visual art in the town – which is now extremely impressive.”

Tim Davies said: “The Macclesfield station townscape was a collaborative artwork, a testament to the town’s history, and a tribute to its vibrant community. Created in partnership with local school and college pupils, it represents the collective spirit and creativity that defines Macclesfield as well as creating a warm welcome to visitors and commuters on arrival. I am immensely proud to have played a role in the Macclesfield Art Trail, it is heartwarming to see how art can bring people together and breathe new life into a place. I look forward to seeing the trail continue to inspire and captivate both residents and visitors alike.”

Peachzz said: “I feel honoured to have painted at such an iconic space in Macclesfield station – a building where so many people come and go to visit such a beautiful place. I decided to get involved with the Art Trail because the brief was so exciting looking at the work of a historical illustrator, Charles Tunnicliffe, who lived in Macclesfield. His work has clearly had a huge impact on the town and it was humbling to create a piece of art inspired by him.”

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