VISITORS to Leamington will be welcomed by new artwork thanks to a partnership between Network Rail and Warwick District Council (WDC).
The work, described as ‘artistic patterns’, has been created by artist Jennie Moncur and will be installed on the Princes Drive railway bridge – next to the recycling centre – which is being refurbished by Network Rail.
The project is among a number of improvements to the town in preparation for welcoming spectators to summer’s Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
WDC culture and tourism spokesman Liam Bartlett said: “It had already been identified by Network Rail that this railway bridge was in need of repairs and improvement, but as it’s so visually prominent as you enter Leamington, we have seized the opportunity to work with Network Rail to create something unique providing an uplift to the area and a warm welcome to visitors.
“First impressions will be important as we play host to a worldwide audience as an official venue for the Lawn Bowls and Para Bowls competitions and also the cycle road races both of which will take place in this area.”
He thanked residents for their patience during the projects which have resulted in some highway disruption.
Jennie Moncur was selected to work on the project given her successful designs for railway bridges across the UK. She is creative director of furniture company Vitsœ, whose headquarters sit adjacent to the bridge, and who have funded Jennie’s design.
She said: “It has been a pleasure working with the team at WDC. They have been hugely supportive of my design ideas for this gateway site. I hope the scheme for the bridge will offer visitors a fresh welcome to Leamington, as well as adding a little cheer to the local daily commute for years to come.”
The bridge refurbishment and repairs project, which includes the road and pedestrian access, is being largely funded by a £740,000 contribution from Network Rail. Warwick District Council is providing up to £121,000 to cover the additional time and costs associated with the installation.
