Newbury Racecourse Station has unveiled a vibrant new mural, a collaborative artwork celebrating the racecourse and its historic station. The project, involving Newbury Racecourse, Great Western Railway (GWR), Berkshire Youth, and City Arts Newbury, transformed the station with bold, colorful designs that reflect its character and heritage.
Young People's Ideas Shape the Artwork
Young people from Berkshire Youth's programs contributed ideas that inspired the mural's design. These concepts were brought to life by the acclaimed Layla's Murals, creating a striking piece that now adorns the station. Louisa Merchant, business development manager at Berkshire Youth, said: “We’re delighted to have been part of this fantastic community project and to see young people from Berkshire Youth given the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life in such a meaningful way.”
“Giving young people a voice to contribute to their communities is at the heart of what we do, and we hope they feel incredibly proud to see their ideas reflected in this vibrant mural,” she added.
A Station with 120 Years of History
Newbury Racecourse Station holds a significant place in the venue's history, having first opened on the same day that Newbury Racecourse hosted its inaugural meeting in 1905. Situated just yards from the venue, the station continues to provide convenient access to the site throughout the year.
The mural's theme extends throughout the station, with artwork appearing on waiting shelters and the pedestrian footbridge, creating a cohesive sense of arrival for visitors and attendees.
Funding and Collaboration Behind the Project
The project was made possible through funding from GWR's Customer & Community Improvement Fund, which supports schemes addressing social need, benefiting customers, and connecting communities. Harry Walklin, marketing director at Newbury Racecourse, commented: “The Racecourse and its station share more than 120 years of history, and today’s mural unveiling marks an exciting new chapter in an association which stretches back to 1905.”
“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to Great Western Railway for enabling the project and we’re confident those using GWR services at the station will be impressed by the new additions,” he said. “The mural strengthens the close connection between the station, the Racecourse and the wider community while its creation provided the young people involved the opportunity to have their ideas brought to life in a notable public space.”
Community and Artist Reactions
Tom Butler, Newbury Racecourse station manager, added: “We’re proud to have supported this striking new mural through our Customer & Community Improvement Fund. Supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do and we’re sure this wonderful piece of artwork, inspired by Berkshire Youth and City Arts, will be well received by racegoers.”
Charlotte Adcock, children's program manager at City Arts Newbury, continued: “Newbury Racecourse is such an important part of Newbury’s identity and history, and it’s been wonderful to see the ideas of young people incorporated in the mural. The incredibly talented artist Layla Cope has created a vibrant and welcoming entrance to Newbury Racecourse, and we’re delighted to have played a part in bringing this project to life and creating something that celebrates creativity, young people and our local community.”
