A CITY centre transport hub has been brightened up thanks to a new initiative.

The Arts Society (TAS) Worcester has been involved in a community arts project to install a work of art at Worcester Foregate Street railway station.

An underground passage way at the much-used location has been transformed by a bright composition incorporating images of Worcester designed to appeal to all generations combined with wayfaring information.

Inspired by the work of TAS Guildford, Maggie Keeble, the chairperson of TAS Worcester, brought together a coalition of partners in the area to commission the work.

Alongside Maggie, the steering group included Fiona Saxon from Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership, Sam McCarthy and Crystal Thompson from Worcester BID (Business Improvement District) and Stacey Barnfield from The Colour Palette Company.

There was also involvement from West Midlands Railways and the Community Rail Network.

The Worcester Colour Palette was the starting point for the artwork as the colours lent themselves to a figurative design.

Created by The Colour Palette Company to reflect local landmarks or themes, the witty names and vibrant colours resonate well with a local audience.

Elgar Bronze – for a statue of Edward Elgar in the High Street.

Saucy Orange – for Worcestershire's condiment sauce.

Hive Gold – for the new library covered in glinting cladding.

Cathedral Stone – needs no explanation.

Diglis Deep Blue –a location on the River Severn where the canal, marina and river meet.

Pear Black – for the Worcester Black Pear and symbol of the city on the coat of arms.

The commissioning of the artist went out to tender to the whole of the West Midlands so the steering group was delighted that the competition was won by a local artist Estée Angeline who impressed with her initial thoughts and designs.

Working closely with the steering committee and after consulting with local groups and businesses, Estée submitted her final designs for printing on vinyl.

The Arts Society Worcester is always keen to support young and emerging artists so incorporated two student bursaries in the project.

The chosen students from the University of Worcester (Maddison Dilloway) and Hereford College of Art (Grace Bearcroft) were expected to shadow Estée, learning from her work with a view to increasing their understanding of the process of executing commissioned works.

Grace said: “I found the experience very valuable to my own creative practice.

"Having this chance to work so closely with Estée throughout all the steps has been one of the most important parts of my journey in the art community and I’m very thankful I have been able to learn and grow as a young artist so much in this time.”

A launch event the day after the installation saw the work positively received and cemented the reputation of The Arts Society Worcester as a promoter and supporter of the local artistic community and environment.