Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) have commissioned artist Tim Ward of Circling the Square to create a public art for the new Stockport Interchange.

ArtReach, who is managing the scheme on behalf of TfGM, secured additional funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support the project. As part of this work, Tim is working closely with the local community in Stockport in a process of direct engagement that will inform his design of the final artwork for this iconic public space. The project is targeting local residents, schools, churches, social clubs, youth groups, community groups and heritage groups

Tim’s proposal is that a triangular panel format be adopted for the public artwork on the Stockport Transport Interchange. The triangular shapes to incorporate imagery, motifs and patterns relevant to Stockport and its heritage. The idea came as a response to the distinctive undulating ‘origami’ structure of the new Interchange as proposed by the architects, plus the strong, bold architectural forms created by the viaduct, large mill buildings and post-modern architecture that bound the site. The artwork to pick up on this urban vernacular and create features that fitting to the new development and cityscape, whilst providing an opportunity to promote Stockport.

A number of potential sites exist for artwork interventions in the Interchange development:

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• ·      Central barrier – purpose to obscure pedestrian views and discourage desire lines

• ·      The top half of the extended cladding to the parapet of the new Mersey River Bridge.

• ·      Public realm space, part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, next to the River Mersey

The Artist has proposed as a main piece of public art a ‘Wave’ Screen for the Central Barrier subject to the suitability of the site. This triangular panel structured screen aims to simulate the movement of water echoing the topography of Stockport where three rivers, Tame, Goyt and Mersey, converge and act as a metaphor for the movement and coming together of people - past, present and future. The wave screen would be created in laser cut steel panels with protective coatings and feature notable local people from the Stockport’s past along with city landmarks, heritage sites, cultural diversity, folklore and shared histories.