Stockport Exchange, the North West’s leading business hub and part of the town centre’s £1 billion regeneration, is now the proud owner of a colourful mural, thanks to a collaboration with students from Stockport College.
The students were given a brief by Stockport Exchange partners, Stockport Council and national urban regeneration company, Muse Developments, as well as managing agents CBRE, to come up with ideas around the theme of sustainability.
This was chosen to build on the success of the giant Mount Rushmore-style sculpture of the G7 leaders’ heads, made entirely of discarded electronics and created by musicMagpie, one of the tenants at Stockport Exchange. It was on display in Cornwall during last year’s G7 climate summit, before spending last summer in Stockport Exchange to highlight the growing threat of e-waste.
The project aims to give students hands-on experience of working on a key regeneration scheme in their local area, helping to shape the future of Stockport alongside industry professionals.
The students not only had to come up with a design, they were also responsible for the overall project management including health and safety, risk assessment, a commitment to sustainable working practices and obtaining all the necessary permits to install the artwork.
A panel comprising of representatives from Stockport Council, Muse and CBRE selected the preferred design and worked with them to take their ideas forward to create the striking mural now on display.
The installation now takes pride of place on a site that is visible by pedestrians walking through Stockport Exchange.
“The mural looks fantastic and is a colourful addition to Stockport Exchange. Hopefully the project has enhanced the students understanding of Stockport Exchange’s sustainability credentials.”
“This stunning mural, which will take pride of place within our Stockport Exchange scheme, raises awareness to all of the importance of sustainability and we’re absolutely delighted with the results. A massive well done to all involved.”
Cameron Steward, Art and Design Lecturer at Stockport College, said: “Having the opportunity to work with the council and on a large scale mural has been an excellent opportunity for the Level 4 Design & Illustration students, giving them a sense of how a live brief is undertaken from concept to execution. The three students have conducted themselves in a professional manner, from meeting council members on site, to submitting designs and communicating throughout the project. The final installation reflects their hard work and their ethos in being part of a sustainable Stockport.”