STUDENTS from the University of Salford have given Salford’s former police headquarters a new look.
In 2011 building was saved from demolition at the last minute because of its historic facade
Designs and images from the University’s Fashion Design, Fashion Styling and Image Making, Graphic Design, Photography, Visual Arts, English and Performance Arts students have been installed to replace the formerly boarded-up windows.
Commenting on the recently installed artworks, the University’s Estates and Property Services Head of Strategy, Peter Bright said: “This fantastic art installation has given a well-known Salford landmark a much-needed facelift but has also given our students the chance to showcase their talents and brighten up their campus.”
While headlines might be grabbed by purpose-built, multi-million pound arts venues such as HOME and the proposed £110m Factory, a counter-trend among young and upcoming artists is to use ‘found’ art spaces such as derelict buildings, car parks or warehouses. This creative use of what might be otherwise overlooked urban lots revitalises and renews an area while challenging people to think differently about their surroundings.
The former Police Headquarters in Salford is a grand old building, built by renowned Bolton architects Bradshaw, Grass and Hope in the 1950s, that has sadly fallen into disrepair. In 2011 building was saved from demolition at the last minute because of its historic facade. While the exterior is still imposing, the inside of the building is in a dangerous condition.
Salford City Council, which owns the building, is close to finalising agreements with a developer to bring it back into use for business and residential purposes as part of the regeneration of the Chapel Street and Crescent area of Salford.
The strategy also links with the recently announced £2.5 million revamp of Peel Park, Britain’s oldest public park, which is located right beside the University and is from where the University’s main campus takes its name.
Deputy City Mayor, Councillor David Lancaster, said: “We were delighted to work with the University in giving this building a creative facelift. It’s a major landmark in this area and a fantastic way to showcase the talent of students at Salford University.”
