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Monday 7 Jul 2025

Oxford Road station artwork to celebrate historic Manchester milestones

Region & Route:

North West & Central

| North West & Central: North West

Passengers and visitors to Manchester Oxford Road station will soon be greeted by a striking new mural, part of an exciting visual makeover celebrating the city’s rich cultural and musical heritage. 

The first stage of the initiative will see the outer walls of the former Screen One building brought to life with vibrant artwork, designed to reflect Manchester’s identity as a hub of music, travel, and community. The mural will be highly visible from station approach and Whitworth Street West, offering a bold new welcome to the city. 

Created by internationally renowned street artists Nomad Clan, in partnership with Wild in Art, a global leader in public art trails, the project is part of Network Rail’s wider placemaking and regeneration strategy. It aims to enhance the passenger experience, support local pride, and lay the groundwork for future investment in Manchester’s transport hubs. 

Rebecca Foy, regeneration and placemaking specialist for Network Rail, said: “Oxford Road is one of Manchester’s most culturally significant streets, and the station lies at its heart. Through this initiative, we’re working with our brilliant partners to inject some Mancunian energy through art, to enhance the experience for the thousands of people and passengers who pass by every day and help give the city the welcome it deserves. 

"It marks the start of a wider placemaking ambition to make our stations feel more connected to the people and places they serve. This project is a celebration of place, people, and creative collaboration.” 

Ben Reed, head of creative development at Wild in Art, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Network Rail to bring this creative vision to life. Art in public spaces has the power to inspire, connect, and transform - and this mural will be a bold celebration of Manchester’s musical and cultural legacy.” 

The mural will also serve as a gateway to the Music for the Senses art trail, running from 7 July to 31 August 2025. This free-to-view trail will guide visitors through Manchester city centre via immersive installations, painted guitars, murals and mosaics, and digital experiences - all celebrating the city’s musical legacy. 

The project is being delivered in collaboration with key stakeholders including Manchester City Council and support from Northern, Transport for Greater Manchester, and HOME, with further community-led mural commissions planned for later phases. 

Manchester City Council leader, Councillor Bev Craig, said, "Manchester Oxford Road is an important gateway into the city, and we have been calling for the entrance to the city to be more lively and fitting. Ahead of longer term plans it's great to see a fantastic mural by a Manchester based artist bring the site to life and to share and celebrate the creativity and passion which makes Manchester so unique." 

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said, “We’re really impressed by the design depicting Manchester’s cultural identity and look forward to the unveiling of the new mural outside Oxford Road station. This will improve the station approach and of course be enjoyed by the millions of people who use this important transport hub every year.” 

Karen O’Neill, CEO of HOME, said: “We’re excited to support a project that puts community and creativity at its heart. This mural is just the beginning of a wider journey to bring more voices and stories into Manchester’s public spaces.” 

The full mural is expected to be completed by 14 July, with a celebration marking the transformation of Screen One into a vibrant symbol of Manchester’s past, present, and future.