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Thursday 6 Apr 2023

Last call: competition for community groups to brighten up Hackney Wick station underpass

Region & Route:

Eastern: Anglia

Update May 2023. Following feedback outlining some concerns from the local community regarding the approach set out in the mural project competition, we have taken the decision to end this competition at this time and carry out a review of the project as a whole to address these concerns and ensure we get the right outcome for everyone. We will therefore end this process while the review takes place and will look at re-launching the competition later on in the year.

Network Rail is reminding community groups about an open competition to create a mural in the pedestrian underpass at Hackney Wick station.

The winner of the competition will be invited to paint their design on the 30m x 3.5m concrete side wall running the full length of the underpass. The group will also receive funding from Network Rail to cover the cost of materials.

The competition, which is run in partnership with Hackney Council and the London Legacy Development Corporation (LDDC), is open to all. Applications are particularly invited from local community groups.

The underpass, which runs underneath the rail station, connects Wallis Road with White Post Lane. It was opened in 2018 as part of an award-winning £25m scheme of extensive enhancements and upgrades to Hackney Wick station. Despite having originally received an anti-vandalism finish, its walls are now covered in graffiti.

Experience at other stations has shown that a mural is one of the most effective options to discourage the painting of further graffiti. It will also make the underpass more inviting and pleasant for rail users and pedestrians using it as a thoroughfare. The idea was inspired by the success of similar murals at other stations in preventing further graffiti and creating a pleasant and safe environment.

Hackney Wick station is served by London Overground services from Richmond and Clapham Junction to Stratford. No changes nor disruption to these services are planned on account of this project.

Entries should propose a striking and imaginative mural with local significance and a positive message about the Hackney Wick community. The deadline for applications is Tuesday 11 April, with the winners announced by Tuesday 25 April. More details are available on Hackney Council’s website, including how to enter.

Michael Crossling, Business Manager (Regions) for Network Rail Anglia, said: “This project will make the underpass feel safer and more pleasant for passengers and pedestrians while also offering an excellent opportunity for a local community group to put their mark on a highly prominent site underneath the railway.”

Cllr Chris Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care, Voluntary Sector and Culture at Hackney Council said: “It is essential that key pedestrian links across our borough remain attractive and continue to feel safe. We are delighted to be giving a community organisation the opportunity to improve this important pedestrian underpass while raising its own profile and doing something good for the community at large.”