Media centre

Thursday 29 Jun 2017

Network Rail install heritage murals on upgraded bridge in Nottinghamshire

Region & Route:

| Eastern

Network Rail has installed heritage murals on Station Road bridge in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire after they were removed from derelict shops which were due to be demolished.

Station Road bridge re-opened last year after being shut for six months to be rebuilt and strengthened as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan in Nottinghamshire.

Network Rail has worked alongside Ashfield District Council as well as community groups in Hucknall to find a suitable location for the murals.

After consultation with the wider community, it was decided to install the murals on the upgraded road bridge. The new location means the murals can be seen and enjoyed by both residents and visitors to Hucknall.

The murals were originally commissioned as part of a community art scheme and depict different aspects of Hucknall’s heritage, such as coal mining and framework knitting.  Before the murals were installed, they were renovated by Peter Massey, the original artist.

Chris Chatfield, project manager at Network Rail, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Ashfield District Council and heritage groups in Hucknall to ensure the murals can continue to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors.

“This bridge was recently rebuilt as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan and the murals are a really nice finishing touch to it.”

Councillor Nicolle Ndiweni, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “The Council commissioned the murals over 10 years ago to improve the appearance of some derelict buildings whilst awaiting the construction of the recently opened inner relief road.

“The murals had become a much loved part of the town and we are pleased that a new home has been found for them, providing an interesting feature at a gateway into the town”.   

Sheila Robinson, treasurer at the Hucknall Tourism and Regeneration Group, said: “It’s lovely that we’ve found a place where all the murals can be displayed together. The murals tell the story of Hucknall’s history and are an important fixture in the town.”