Train station on track for £500k arts centre

Aug 21 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A DERELICT train station building could be transformed into an out of town arts centre to showcase local and international talent.

A planning application is currently being considered by Liverpool council to turn Edge Hill Station into an arts centre ready for Capital of Culture year.

A decision is expected on September 10 and Kensington art organisation Metal which has put the proposal forward is busy fundraising to gather £500,000 needed for the project.

The station, believed to be among the oldest in the country, is still a working stop but the buildings are derelict.

The new plans could transform the station into gallery and studio space.

Ceri Hand, artistic director for Metal, said: “We wanted to find somewhere within the neighbourhood of Liverpool for artists and thinkers to show their work and this station seemed perfect.

“It has so much history within it and we think an art centre here will be great for the community.

“People waiting for a train can come in to see exhibitions – it is regeneration in a truly good sense of the word. We have been based in the area for three years and have asked local residents what they think and the reaction has been extremely positive.

“We are always keen to hear ideas and more consultation work will be carried out over the next few months.

“We aim to open part of the centre by April next year and have had interest from artists from all over the world.

“A brilliant knock-on effect would be others investing more money here, by starting up businesses like cafes or independent shops.”

Metal has the full co-operation of Northern Rail, who run the station. A spokesman said: “We are trying to bring a number of redundant stations across the network back to life and this project is part of that .

“It is really good for the railway. It brings a presence back into the building and the local community will see a long-term benefit.” The plans have also had support from local councillors.

Picton city councillor Laurence Sidorczuk said: “We are very much in favour – these buildings have been redundant for quite some time.

“It would be wonderful to have an arts centre and it makes a statement to have something like that in the neighbourhood.

“We should make the most of the culture here.”

Metal are also keen to hear personal testimonies and memories of the station for future artists to uses.

People with stories to tell can contact Ceri Hand on 0151 261 0514 or email her at ceri@metalculture.com.

lizawilliams