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Thursday 31 Aug 2017

Network Rail showcases transformation of Swansea subway as part of artist-led community scheme

Region & Route:

Wales & Western: Wales & Borders

| Wales & Western

Julie James, Assembly Member for Swansea West, visited Pottery Street Subway in Swansea city centre to see first-hand how Network Rail is working with the HigherStreet International to transform the area into a safer and more pleasant environment.

Network Rail is installing new lighting on the underpass, which will highlight the work graffiti artists have done to create a ‘tunnel of colour’ connecting the Strand to the High Street.

Julie James, AM, said: “It was great to see the improvements made to the underpass and I hope it will make people feel safer using it.”

Andy Thomas, route managing director for Network Rail Wales, said: “Our rail network connects communities across Wales and we’re always looking at ways we can help people who live and work alongside the railway. The new lighting at Swansea subway will create a safer and more pleasant environment for local people.

“We will continue to work with partners to deliver a safe, reliable, affordable and growing railway for the people of Wales and the borders as part of our Railway Upgrade Plan.”

The HigherStreet International are running a project to clean up the subway site, run community graffiti workshops and develop the space into a ‘legal wall’ for graffiti artists.

Mark Stephenson from the HigherStreet International said: “On behalf of everyone who is associated with the recognition of this space and the drive to make it the best version of itself it can be, I am thrilled at this major step forward. In all the conversations I’ve had with users of Pottery Street Subway, the lack of lighting has without doubt been the biggest area of concern with regard to the perception of personal safety in this now increasingly used underpass. I applaud Network Rail for making good on their promise to make the significant capital investment of installing lighting.”