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Community Inspired Artwork Unveiled At Newbury Racecourse Station
New look for the on-site station following collaboration between the Racecourse, Great Western Railway, Berkshire Youth & City Arts Newbury
Newbury Racecourse Station has been given a vibrant new look following the unveiling of a striking piece of community-inspired artwork, celebrating both the Racecourse and the station which bears its name.
The impressive new mural comes courtesy of a collaborative project involving Newbury Racecourse, Great Western Railway (GWR), Berkshire Youth and City Arts Newbury. The project brought together a group of young people from Berkshire Youth’s programmes, who contributed ideas and inspiration which helped shape the mural’s design. Their ideas were then brought to life by the acclaimed Layla’s Murals, creating a bold and colourful artwork that reflects the character and heritage of Newbury Racecourse and its unique station.
Louisa Merchant, Business Development Manager at Berkshire Youth, said: “We’re delighted to have been part of this fantastic community project and to see young people from Berkshire Youth given the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life in such a meaningful way.
‘’Giving young people a voice to contribute to their communities is at the heart of what we do, and we hope they feel incredibly proud to see their ideas reflected in this vibrant mural.”
Newbury Racecourse Station has an important place in the history of the venue, having first opened on the same day that Newbury Racecourse hosted its inaugural meeting in 1905. Situated just yards from the Racecourse, the station continues to offer an easy and convenient way to access the venue throughout the year.
The mural’s theme extends throughout the station, with artwork also appearing on the waiting shelters and pedestrian footbridge, creating a cohesive and impressive sense of arrival for visitors and attendees.
The project was made possible courtesy of funding from GWR’s Customer & Community Improvement Fund, which supports schemes that address areas of social need, benefit customers and help connect communities, people and places. The spirit behind the initiative was reflected in the collaboration between GWR, Berkshire Youth, City Arts Newbury and Newbury Racecourse throughout the project.
Harry Walklin, Marketing Director at Newbury Racecourse, commented: ‘’The Racecourse and its station share more than 120 years of history, and today’s mural unveiling marks an exciting new chapter in an association which stretches back to 1905.
‘’We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Great Western Railway for enabling the project and we’re confident those using GWR services at the station will be impressed by the new additions.
The mural strengthens the close connection between the station, the Racecourse and the wider community while its creation provided the young people involved the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life in a notable public space.’’
Newbury Racecourse Station Manager, Tom Butler, said: “We’re proud to have supported this striking new mural through our Customer & Community Improvement Fund.
“Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do and we’re sure this wonderful piece of artwork, inspired by Berkshire Youth and City Arts, will be well received by racegoers.”
Charlotte Adcock, Children’s Program Manager at City Arts Newbury, said: “Newbury Racecourse is such an important part of Newbury’s identity and history, and it’s been wonderful to see the ideas of young people incorporated in the mural.
‘’The incredibly talented artist Layla Cope has created a vibrant and welcoming entrance to Newbury Racecourse, and we’re delighted to have played a part in bringing this project to life and creating something that celebrates creativity, young people and our local community.”
The mural’s big reveal comes on the eve of one of the biggest weekends in Newbury Racecourse’s calendar – Visit Malta Hungerford Weekend – with more than 25,000 racing and music fans expected to attend across Friday and Saturday. Those travelling to the Racecourse by train will have the opportunity to see the new artwork in all its glory as they arrive.
The new artwork adds a distinctive new welcome for the tens of thousands of people who use Newbury Racecourse Station each year and with a busy programme of racing and events taking place throughout the year, there are a range of ways for visitors to enjoy the action, including free admission for U18s and discounts available for those booking in groups.
