Street artist to transform new railway station

Andy Council will create a mural that represents the local area and its people

A street artist says he is "very happy" to have been commissioned to create a mural at a railway station.

Ashley Down station in Bristol, which closed 60 years ago, was re-opened in September 2024 after a £23m revamp.

Local artist Andy Council was chosen after Severnside Community Rail Partnership asked artists to submit applications to transform the station to celebrate its first anniversary.

"Gaining local knowledge of an area is key to my work and I'm looking forward to working with community members to make this piece extra special," said Mr Council.

"I plan on painting creatures that are made up of local landmarks which will represent the areas people, history, sporting heritage and wildlife," he added.

The artist has spoken to Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bristol Rovers FC and local councillors to get ideas and inspiration for the mural.

"I'm very happy to have been chosen to paint this prominent wall which will greet passengers at the new station," he said.

"It's exciting to have a station at this location once again which will offer Bristolians more options to get around the city and beyond."

The unveiling in late September will also coincide with the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.

Ashley Down is one of the newest railway stations in the UK

Helen Godwin, the mayor of the West of England, said there had been a "fantastic response" to the artist call out and the panel struggled to pick just one.

"I can't wait to see the mural that Andy creates," she said.

"This artwork will be a celebration of the station itself and the rich heritage of the local area, the city, and our whole region," said Ms Godwin.

Faye Keane, community development officer at Severnside Community Rail Partnership, said she hoped Mr Council would "offer a playful and impressive mural representing the history and community of Ashley Down".

Ashley Down is the newest station to open in the west of England and was the second to open in Bristol in just under a century, following Portway Park & Ride station in 2023.