Station Park
HDT were delighted to open Station Park, a former off-limits railway embankment, to the community on 21st March 2019. Open all day every day, this new attractive and fun green space combines landscaping and seating, with some interesting 3D artwork for the public to freely enjoy.
At the heart of the park, is the mid-level tranquil seating area, where people can relax and watch the world go by with a unique view of the district. This plateau is accessible from the bottom by a safe off-road pathway, making it accessible to pedestrians, wheelchair users, pushchairs and cyclists, and from the top, from Irlam Station car park.
The artistic aspects of Station Park, which pay homage to the areas’ rich heritage, are a plenty; and there for people to see and enjoy. Some of which include:
The Workers Cottage – the shape and feel of this imaginative and magical piece of art was inspired by the well-known Hobbit House. The cottage’s design elements embrace a train theme that connects it with the station.
Between the Tracks is made from old cogs and is a reminder of the transport links that once connected the thriving local heavy industries to Irlam Station and further afield.
A Blast from the Past reflects the view that local residents would have once had from Irlam Station in the 1900s: huge buildings and towering chimneys of the Steelworks and Soap Works filling the skyline with smoke and steam.
All in a Day’s Work is a collection of steel cut outs depicting the hard labour that thousands of workers endured during the construction of the railways and the Manchester Ship Canal.
Other little surprises include artwork such as Mouths to Feed, a delicate sculpture of a bird’s nest capturing a parents loving care for her offspring; and Lennie the Woodpecker, a silent reflection of the constant hammering noise once
rising from the Steelworks.
The Giant Match Box is a more recent addition and gives a nod to the ‘Hulme Patent Advertising Match Company’. Constructed by HDT’s Chair Neil McArthur and painted by local artist Rachelle, the giant matchbox and matches are 20 times the actual size and stand tall and proud for all to see.
These are just some of the highlights of the park, but that’s not all. Station Park will continue to evolve with new interesting art features popping up over the next few years.
Pictures speak a thousand words but seeing the park in person is a magical experience. Be sure to take a look or kick back and relax on the plateau and see what other hidden features you can find.
We would love to hear what you think of the Park. You can email [email protected] or post a picture and comment on our Facebook
Posted on: 8th February 2020