Southampton Central £5.5m upgrade includes colourful mural

After securing funding from the government's Transforming Cities Fund, the city council is enhancing Southampton Central in partnership with Network Rail and South Western Railway.

The mural, by local artist Poppy Ash, is taking shape on the side of a footbridge as part of a major update costing more than £5m.

Poppy is working with muralist Callum Young to create a hand-painted image that aims to complement the improvements being made to the station forecourt.

An artist's impression of how Southampton Central Station will look after the £5.5m scheme is complete (Image: Southampton City Council)

The eye-catching design pays homage to Southampton FC and other aspects of city life.

READ MORE: Southampton Central Station: Works starts soon on £5.5m revamp

Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "The mural is a fabulous opportunity to showcase Southampton’s home-grown artistic talent while providing a colourful and vibrant welcome to the city.

"A programme of improvements to the forecourt is almost complete and the mural will be one of the impressive finishing touches to upgrade the area."

Earlier this year Poppy’s artwork impressed the judges in a competition to decide which artist should have their work showcased on the front of the John Hansard Gallery.

Poppy was not the winner but the Gallery was keen to explore other places where her work could be displayed.

Southampton Central Station (Image: Newsquest.)

Director, Woodrow Kernohan, said: "We are thrilled that Poppy Ash's artwork will bring new life to Southampton's Central Station.

"Her vivid design captures icons of Southampton's diverse art, sport, and culture. We hope this new mural will create more opportunities for artists, as well as enliven the city’s built environment."

READ MORE: Southampton Central station among the worst for train delays

Poppy studied at University of Southampton (Winchester School of Art) and has seen her work commissioned nationally by a wide range of clients.

She said: "I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to share my artwork and celebrate the wonderful places and activities Southampton has to offer.

"I’m excited to see how it transforms the space and can’t wait to see how it evolves to spotlight the work of other local artists."

Callum Young added: "It's great to be able to use my experience in mural painting to bring this design to life. It is always exciting to do artist collaborations, especially in the city I grew up and live in."

Stephen Manion, executive director, GO! Southampton, said the artwork would give visitors a "real flavour" of the city.

He added: "We wanted the artwork to be exciting and to represent the city. It’s why Poppy and Callum are great choices."

Find out more about Callum and his company Licc Design Co., @liccdesignco, on Instagram.