Two railway bridges in Shrewsbury, long criticised as “dirty and uninviting,” are set to be transformed with colourful murals and other improvements.
The project will focus on the bridges over Cross Street and Castle Foregate, near Shrewsbury station, and will also include upgraded lighting, deep cleaning, and measures to deter pigeons.
The artwork will be created by students working alongside professional muralist Russ Meehan. Initial sketches already feature some of Shropshire’s well-known landmarks, but residents are being encouraged to share “lesser-known” local stories that could be woven into the designs.
Organisers also want the public to contribute ideas for a “Shropshire soundtrack” — which could range from local music to soundscapes — that visitors will be able to access via QR code.
The scheme is being delivered by Shropshire-based charity Big Art Regeneration & Transformation (The BART) in partnership with the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan Partnership, which brings together Shropshire Council, Shrewsbury BID, and Shrewsbury Town Council.
Stephanie Mansell-Jones of Shrewsbury BID said:
“The mural will create a positive first impression for visitors arriving by train and give residents a powerful reminder of the rich stories and voices that make Shrewsbury so special. Not to mention tackling the long-standing pigeon problem.”
Shropshire Council has already started efforts to address the pigeon issue by removing birds, installing spikes, and planning to add new metal mesh to the bridges’ roofs.
