Local children share what Prestwich means to them as new artwork revealed

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 we’re delivering with 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 pupils joined Bury Council cabinet member for children and young people, Cllr Lucy Smith at a special event to officially unveil the artwork.

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.

Cllr Smith 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. It’s great to see Vinci delivering real social value through creativity, education, and engagement.”

This Vinci initiative also supports the ambitions set out in Bury Council’s Cultural Strategy: Different Cultures, Same Horizons, which champions creativity, celebrates local identity, and places culture at the heart of community regeneration. By involving young people in the creative process and showcasing their work in public spaces, the project reflects the strategy’s commitment to empowering communities and nurturing the next generation of cultural contributors.

Hugh Taylor, senior project manager, said:

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.