Severnside Community Rail Partnership (CRP) has delivered another spectacular mural at Ashley Down Station. 

Working in partnership with the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority and multiple local community groups – and with funding support from Great Western Railway – the artwork marks the 12-month anniversary of the opening of the station, which has facilitated over 100,000 journeys in its first year.

The new artwork was created by local artist Andy Council and has brought to life a 24-meter wall at the station entrance. Andy worked with Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Bristol Rovers FC, and local councillors to get ideas and inspiration for the mural. The artwork features wildlife found in the local area, Victorian housing, as well as trains – both old and new – bikes and a green WEST bus, on a bright, lilac background. 

Ashley Down Station forms part of the West’s ambitious wider £400 million rail investment plans for the region, which includes building new stations and adding extra services. Five more new stations are set to be built over the coming years: North Filton, Charfield, Henbury, Pill, and Portishead. 

Faye Keane, Severnside CRP development officer, said: “We now have two artworks onsite [at Ashley Down Station]: Progression, which was a ‘community created’ piece, and this new one, which was ‘community influenced’.

“Local stations have the potential to become a real hub of the community, and we are excited to see how this station develops over the coming years.”

Artist Andy Council said: “The artwork I have created for Ashley Down is based on the small creatures that are found in the area and made up of its local landmarks. I’m very happy with the mural – it is colourful, welcoming and friendly.” 

Helen Godwin, the Mayor of the West of England, said: “Andy has really captured so much of the local area and it’s great that people from the community have helped shape the mural. The artwork looks fabulous, and I love seeing local landmarks featured like the Memorial Stadium and the County Ground, with the station so handy for fans on match days. 

“Ashley Down has been a real success since opening and just shows, if you build train stations, people will use them.”

Tom Pierpoint, business development portfolio director at Great Western Railway, said: “Our Customer and Community Improvement Fund is a fantastic opportunity for us to invest in our communities with projects that really make a difference at a local level. 

“We’re thrilled to support this stunning new mural to celebrate one year of Ashley Down Station, and how it’s brought people closer together, helping them to make more sustainable travel choices.”

“As we mark Railway 200, this is a chance to reflect on the lasting impact that the railway has had over two centuries and how, with new stations such as Ashley Down, it will continue to connect people, create jobs, and support the growth and prosperity of the communities we serve.” 

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Severnside CRP via their website.