Southeast Communities Rail Partnership (SCRP) has commemorated several community engagement projects at Reigate Station with a celebratory event on 27 June.
A photographic artwork display appropriately entitled ‘Journeys’ has been installed within the station. The collection of 20 photographs was created by Year 1 students from Reigate School of Art. Students aged 16-18 on the Level 3 Creative Media Production course used a digital camera to explore the theme of ‘journeys’, capturing a series of images which represent a place, location, or the process of travelling.
SCRP joined forces with station staff and the college to install the artworks, reclaiming the space for the enjoyment of the public and station users in what is now Reigate Station’s picture gallery.
It’s not just the inside of the station that’s had a makeover – two local groups, Growing Redhill and Loveworks, have taken on the task of caring for the platform planters, which now house vibrant displays of sustainable plants.
These community-led projects have perfectly complemented local train operator GTR’s recent accessibility project at the station, and Reigate now proudly houses a ticket hall that is accessible to all.
The celebratory event on 27 June was supported by the local Mayor and Mayoress, Reigate School of Art tutors and students, community gardening groups Growing Redhill and Loveworks, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, GTR staff and management, and representatives from SCRP, the Redhill, Reigate, and Tonbridge Line CRP steering group, and members of the local community.
Sharon Gray, Community Rail Development Officer at SCRP, said: “It was a perfect event, well attended by lots of happy, smiling people. It was a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new contacts.
“Jointly, GTR staff, SCRP and members of the community have managed to change the entire character of this station, and it now sings with individuality. I am very proud of having played my part in its transformation.”
You can keep up to date with future news, projects, and events from Southeast Communities Rail Partnership via their website.
