Agito sponsors Olympics themed Artwork at Heaton Chapel Station

Post date: Feb 08, 2013 5:22:37 PM

 26 May 2012

Friends of Heaton Chapel Station (FofHCS) has welcomed sponsorship from Agito LLP for one of 16 pieces of artwork that have been specially created for this station, which lays claim to being the busiest local railway station in Greater Manchester.

The artwork was unveilled by FofHCS in conjunction with Northern Rail, the operators of this busy station, on Friday 25 May 2012 at a very well attended special event.

The 2012 Olympic Games is the theme of the artwork which comprises of 16 panels that form the focus of a prominent and highly visible display on the Manchester-bound platform of the station.

Each panel incorporates the distinctive shape of an athlete running forward to convey an image of movement, and graphics that incorporate elements of local interest and history in the Four Heatons area of Stockport, which comprises of Heaton Moor, Heaton Chapel, Heaton Mersey and Heaton Norris.

The concept for the artwork was devised by artist Karen Atherton who led the creative elements of the project through a series of workshops held in schools in the Four Heatons area.

Karen is one of a group of local artists who have considerable experience developing art for public spaces and working closely with schools and community groups like FofHCS.

Karen explained, “Work has been going forward at a rapid pace over the past 2 months, including preparatory work for the wall where the artwork now stands, well in time before the Olympic Torch visits Heaton Chapel on June 24th.”

Spokesperson for FofHCS, Rory Alkin added, “To make this project possible we needed additional financial support to the limited funds that FoHCS poseses. Agito Transport Planning and 15 other sponsors responded to our invitations for sponsorship which has helped make this exciting project possible, along with a lot of hard work from volunteers of FofHCS."

Agito Partner and regular user of Heaton Chapel Station, Bob Barlow, is one of the volunteers of FofHCS and has been actively working with members of the group and local businesses providing help in the project management and delivery of the FofHCS Artwork Project and assistance with publicity.

Bob explained, "Myself and the other partners didn't hesitate when we were asked if we would like to be a sponsor, as the work of this community group accords with many of the business activities that we, as a transport planning consultancy, are involved with. We are very pleased to have helped make things happen and help promote and support sustainable travel and transport services."

More information about FofHCS can be found on www.friendsofheatonchapelstation.co.uk