Student sculpture set to revitalise Burton train station

Creative Arts students at Burton and South Derbyshire College have been working on an exciting brief to design a sculpture that will breathe new life into Burton train station as part of the station’s ‘railway renaissance’ renovation works.

East Midlands Trains have been working with Burton upon Trent Rotary Club and others to improve the environment at Burton station and create a more welcoming and inviting facility for all. The renovation will see the railway station given a fresh look, with more seating, a sustainable garden and the sculpture which will represent the area’s four national centres: The National Arboretum, The National Brewery Centre, The National Forest and St. George’s Park. 

Level 3 Product Design/Craft students have been tasked with the public art project to design a sculptural piece that not only represents the four national centres but is memorable and aesthetically pleasing to commuters passing through the station.

The project has involved students conducting extensive research into the four national centres, current sculptures in and around Burton, materials to be used and important health and safety considerations. Students also benefited from a presentation from former BSDC student turned architect, Mathew McCurdy, who visited the College to advise on how to approach the project. 

Students then visualised their ideas in 3D form, creating architect models using a range of techniques, including laser cutting and plasma cutting, and experimenting with materials such as card, MDF, steel and acrylic. 

During the project, students have gained experience in pitching their ideas to clients and modifying designs based on feedback, which included a presentation to eighty Burton upon Trent Rotary Club members and working alongside health and safety officials. The modified proposals will now be going forward to a steering group meeting in June, comprising of Burton upon Trent Rotary Club, East Midlands Trains, East Staffordshire Borough Council, the National Forest Company and Network Rail, where the winning final design will be selected.

Donna Adams, Stakeholder and Community Rail Manager for East Midlands Trains said: “We are really pleased with the progress of the improvements at Burton station. The landscape plans are coming together and parts of the station are already looking a lot cleaner. The competition for local students to create a sculpture based on the four nationals has seen some amazing work being presented that will enhance the look and feel of the station. The winning design will represent The National Forest, The National Arboretum, The National Brewery Centre and The National Football Centre, showcasing the impressive facilities this area has to offer.” 

Kiran Padam-Moorley, Creative Arts Lecturer at Burton and South Derbyshire College commented: “This whole process has been more than working on a live brief. Learners have had to work and behave as a designer would in the real world, including presenting their ideas, working to deadlines and taking on feedback from clients. They have used a wide variety of processes and have developed their skills to the next level. The project has given them the opportunity to experience and be part of a professional creative process which they will be able to draw upon in the future. We look forward to the announcement of the winning design which will undoubtedly have a positive impact in the local area for many years to come.”