The Cheshire town of Macclesfield has seen Avanti West Coast help to boost its public artwork in a special project which has seen the creation of a local art trail.

The rail operator has worked with local authorities from Cheshire East and Macclesfield to bring eight new pieces of art alongside an illustrated trail map which was created by an illustrator whose work can be found on Macclesfield station’s footbridge. The special map identifies 20 pieces of artwork, including existing pieces in the town centre, as well as points of cultural interest along the trail.

Fittingly, two of the artworks are located at Macclesfield station, including a fantastic metal townscape by sculptor Tim Davies, which was created using images taken by young people from the local area. The impressive installation includes local landmarks such as designer furniture store Arighi Bianchi and the original Hovis Mill.

The second piece is a large-scale mural by street artist Peachzz and can be found on the station’s lift tower and is inspired by renowned Macclesfield artist Charles Tunnicliffe. Celebrating Tunnicliffe’s naturalistic work, the mural features swifts which coincide with the town’s ongoing efforts to bolster the species population.

Funding has been provided for the project via the Avanti West Coast Customer and Communities Investment Scheme, which aims to bring positive changes to communities along the West Coast Main Line.

Laura Harper, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Macclesfield, said:

“We’re proud to have supported the Macclesfield art trail, as we want to champion the people, places, and communities we serve while making a positive difference locally. There is now a brilliant range of artwork located across the town and we’re excited Macclesfield station is home to some beautiful pieces that feature in the trail.”

“Macclesfield station is an important gateway to the region, and with a townscape created with the help of local young people and a mural inspired by Charles Tunnicliffe, we hope it will give residents a sense of pride, as well as offer a warm welcome to those visiting the area by train or taking part in the trail.”

Councillor Nick Mannion, Vice Chair of Cheshire East Council’s economy and growth committee, said:

“The installation of these significant artworks has been an outstanding project to be involved with and I am extremely grateful to our colleagues at Avanti West Coast, who made it possible.”

“Working on these projects has been a truly collaborative experience – the input of local residents and the Macclesfield Cultural Forum especially, has been integral to the final works we can all now enjoy.”

“The artworks that have been delivered with this grant funding will encourage people to stay in the town longer, which in turn will support local businesses and impact positively on the visitor economy. I’m really impressed with how this funding has managed to go so far in terms of the added impact to the presence of visual art in the town – which is now extremely impressive.”

Artist Tim Davies said:

“The Macclesfield station townscape was a collaborative artwork, a testament to the town’s history, and a tribute to its vibrant community. Created in partnership with local school and college pupils, it represents the collective spirit and creativity that defines Macclesfield, as well as creating a warm welcome to visitors and commuters on arrival. I am immensely proud to have played a role in the Macclesfield Art Trail. It is heartwarming to see how art can bring people together and breathe new life into a place. I look forward to seeing the trail continue to inspire and captivate both residents and visitors alike.”

Street Artist, Peachzz said:

“I feel honoured to have painted at such an iconic space in Macclesfield station – a building where so many people come and go to visit such a beautiful place. I decided to get involved with the Art Trail because the brief was so exciting looking at the work of a historical illustrator, Charles Tunnicliffe, who lived in Macclesfield. His work has clearly had a huge impact on the town and it was humbling to create a piece of art inspired by him.”