Drab space outside Milton Keynes Central station is transformed with £100,000 riot of colour artwork
A vibrant makeover of the city’s Station Square has been officially unveiled to reveal a rainbow of colours.
The previously drab public space has been transformed by British-Nigerian artist and designer Yinka Ilori MBE.
Called ‘Walk With Your Dreams’, the artwork fills the Square with striking colours and patterns inspired by Nigerian textiles and by Milton Keynes itself.
Today (Thursday October 2), there will be celebrations and live music from 4.15pm until 7.30pm to mark the unveiling and all are invited to attend.
There will be a live DJ, a performance from the African Diaspora Foundation Dance Group and Sheniah Asiamah, local musician and performer, presenting My City.
Maureen Onwunali, poet in residence at IF:Milton Keynes International Festival, will read a new poem while SLQY Collective, a community of local artists, poets and musicians, will perform a showcase.
Commissioned by MKDP and the city council, Walk With Your Dreams will help guide pedestrians towards the city centre as well as creating a more welcoming public space at this busy city arrival point, say officials.
The artwork is complemented by a new planting scheme with species selected for their beauty, biodiversity and sustainability.
Chair of MKDP, Nicola Sawford, said: “We’re proud to be making this substantial commitment in the city centre which will transform the experience of everyone who visits. The design gives Station Square the boost it needs to become a welcoming, vibrant and memorable space for residents, visitors and those discovering the city for the first time.
“Station Square is an incredibly important space and complements our wider plans to create a modern and deserving city centre, including our proposals to create a new live entertainment and events venue at the Old Bus Station.”
Cabinet Member for Planning and Placemaking, Cllr Shanika Mahendran, said: “This is much more than a stunning piece of art, it’s a real celebration of our city’s creativity and diversity. Station Square is the gateway to our city and this installation welcomes everyone with colour, culture and inspiration. I’m really looking forward to the launch which will bring our communities together to celebrate something truly unique.”
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