Ellesmere Port Hub – Artist Commission

Caroline Wright is the lead artist for the Ellesmere Port Hub. Caroline has started working with local people to develop a programme of artworks with a focus on their ideas of place, identity and community.

The Ellesmere Port bus interchange has now opened, and the old bus station demolished to allow building to start for a new public services Hub building. Both the bus interchange and new building are part of the Ellesmere Port Masterplan to redevelop the town centre. 

Caroline has an impressive portfolio and has created work with communities, for forests, festivals, housing developments, on beaches and historic houses.  Caroline’s public art is based on working alongside communities, sharing ideas to shape and inform artwork. 

Caroline is very excited to have been selected for the Ellesmere Port commission. Over the last few weeks Caroline has been meeting people online to see Ellesmere Port through their eyes and to get to know important (and also the not so important) things about the town. Conversations have been had with residents, library staff, Action Transport Theatre, West Communities Together, young writers, primary schools and parks staff. 

Caroline will be working on various parts of the development including:

• working with the design team for the Hub (fit out and detailing),
• Working with the master planning team to identify future opportunities for artists within future developments and projects
• work with Action Transport Theatre and the cultural partnership in the town to create a programme of activities with local people, linking into ‘Vibrant Chaos’.  These events, exhibitions, or happenings will encourage participation and contribute to the transformation of the town.  

The art commission will capture stories and imaginations in this time of change, and feed content and inspiration from local people into the design of the Hub building and beyond into the masterplan. 

Said Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council: “I’d like to welcome Caroline and I can’t wait to see the ideas and activities that will be appearing over the next months. 

“Public art is a great way to challenge perceptions, exploring and proposing new ways of thinking about the town.” 

Caroline has seen some themes coming from her conversations: “Green issues and the environment have been a regular feature of conversations and trees, significant trees, the wide variety of tree species, as well as parks, many of which are unknown or hidden away. 

“Other topics that have been spoken about are the position of the town in relation to Cheshire Oaks and how others view and encounter the town. The relationships between the buildings in the town centre area where the Hub will be constructed (history, age, architectural style, position, use, etc.) are other areas of interest. I have been able to hear young writers from Action Transport Theatre  speak eloquently about trees and the pupils of Whitby Heath Primary are just about to start a school wide tree project.” 

As Caroline continues to develop ideas she wants to hear from more residents: “I would love to receive more stories, photos, videos, writing, drawings or other material about trees in the town. This will help me to form ideas, as I am planning an event to coincide with the hub opening, this will help to inform what it is. Residents have contributed their thoughts to a dedicated project email address, and I would be delighted if they wish to get in touch.” 

To help Caroline send your stories to: ellesmereportart@gmail.com

Pictured - Caroline Wright, lead artist for the Ellesmere Port Hub.