Local schools in Prestwich have created some eye-catching designs for the hoardings surrounding the site for the new Prestwich Travel Hub – the first phase of the ambitious £100m regeneration by Muse and Bury Council.
Butterstile and St Mary’s CE primary schools were tasked with creating artwork that showcases what Prestwich means to them, with a selection of the designs now proudly displayed around the new Travel Hub which is currently under construction.
Pupils took inspiration from the village’s landscape as well as some of its historic buildings. Butterstile Primary School undertook detailed investigations into the town’s-built environment and creatively re-produced them in fine line drawing and block printing, featuring the likes of Lady of Grace Church, and popular local restaurants and cafes.
St Mary’s primary school were given a free reign, with pieces showcasing the much-loved Prestwich Clough, the iconic yellow Bee Network tram, and the historic St Mary’s Church.
The project was led by Vinci Building, the main contractor for the travel hub, as part of their commitment to delivering social value and working closely with the local community to create lasting benefits beyond the construction site.
The pupils joined Bury Council deputy leader, Cllr Lucy Smith at a special event to officially unveil the artwork.
Cllr O’Brien said:
“It’s been a real pleasure to meet the children and see their fantastic artwork on display at the travel hub site. Projects like this show how construction can be about more than just buildings — it’s also about creating connections with the community and inspiring the next generation. I’m proud to see Vinci delivering real social value through creativity, education, and engagement.”
“Projects like this show how construction can be about more than just buildings”
Hugh Taylor, senior project director at Muse, said:
“The community has been on this journey with us from the start and it has been amazing to see the children’s creative ideas and hear about what Prestwich means to them. It was really special to get them down to site so they could see the construction firsthand and get excited about what’s to come.
“Your Prestwich is about celebrating what already makes the village so special and creating new spaces that will benefit local people for generations to come.”
Adam Lynch, project manager at Vinci, said:
“Welcoming the children to site and seeing their artwork showcased on our hoarding is a proud moment. Their enthusiasm for the new Travel Hub and what it means for Prestwich’s future is inspiring. This project is about transformation and it’s a privilege to involve the next generation in shaping it.”
With construction well underway, the Travel Hub will provide a long-term parking solution for the village creating 301 spaces, including electric vehicle charging points, cycle storage and a car club.
It’s the first phase of the once-in-a-generation plans to reboot the village centre and create a thriving destination for shopping, dining and community events, following outline planning consent last July.
Once the Travel Hub is completed in 2026, the Longfield Centre will be transformed into a new village centre, with a new library, retail units, a new market, community spaces, attractive green public areas, and new homes.
Vinci are continuing their work within the local community, providing employment and training opportunities for local residents and colleges, with further financial donations to popular events and community projects, such as the Prestwich Carnival and Village Greens.
For more information about the Prestwich regeneration or to sign up for updates, visit www.yourprestwich.com or email info@yourprestwich.com.