Artwork offers vibrant welcome at city station

The red and white striped patterns direct pedestrians to the underpasses while the whole piece creates a vibrant welcome to Milton Keynes

A vibrant Nigerian-style artwork has been unveiled outside a city's main railway station, with the aim of welcoming passengers.

Walk With Your Dreams, designed by British Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, has been integrated into Station Square in Milton Keynes.

It also helps direct pedestrians towards two underpasses that lead from the station to the nearby city centre.

Milton Keynes councillor Shanika Mahendran said: "This is much more than a stunning piece of art, it's a real celebration of our city's creativity and diversity."

Yinka has also created playful public art in Helsinki and New York

A showcase to unveil the artwork took place on Thursday, with performances from local musicians, poets and dancers.

Mr Ilori said: "With a thriving Nigerian community and growing arts scene, Milton Keynes is a location that aligns with my values of bringing art to wider audiences and to fostering connection and community."

The project was commissioned by Milton Keynes Development Partnership (MKDP) and Milton Keynes City Council.

It also includes new plants around the station in a bid to increase biodiversity.

It is hoped the project will create a strong impression and welcome visitors arriving in Milton Keynes

Ms Mahendran, cabinet member for planning and placemaking, said: "Station Square is the gateway to our city and this installation welcomes everyone with colour, culture and inspiration."

Chair of MKDP Nicola Sawford said: "Station Square is an incredibly important space and complements our wider plans to create a modern and deserving city centre, including our proposals to create a new live entertainment and events venue at the Old Bus Station.

"Bringing these projects together will give local people public spaces they can be proud of and create a strong first impression to our growing city."