Bringing New Life Into Local Subway

Local resident wants to create underground artwork in Dukes Avenue

Chiswick resident, Kate Church is seeking local help to create new artwork as part of the wider efurbishment of the Dukes Avenue subway.

The £300,000 work approved by TfL will see the subway, which links Chiswick with Chiswick House and Gardens, fully waterproofed, repaired and resurfaced, as well as new drainage installed to reduce the risk of flooding. The ramps into the subway will be improved with new accessible handrails and bright LED lighting installed throughout the subway.

Kate was inspired by the artwork on this London subway

"Most Chiswick residents are all too familiar with the run-down subway which is used by many to reach the beautiful open space of Chiswick House and gardens", says Kate.

Although TfL will be funding the refurbishment of the subway, in the spring, the hunt is now on for local sponsors to help support the refurbishment by commissioning an artist for new artwork within the subway.

Kate, who runs KateSPACE, an architectural interior design business in Chiswick, said: “I am delighted that TfL is funding this much-needed local project. We now need local businesses to come forward and help us to fund an artist who can breath new life into the newly refurbished subway and provide locals and visitors with a flavour of the magnificent art and culture of Chiswick House.

An image of how the subway could look with artwork

“For the last 15 years I have been walking through the Dukes Avenue Subway on my way to Chiswick House to meet friends, walk the dog or just enjoy the local environment. Everyone agrees it is an unpleasant experience; damp walls, cracked tiles, leaks and broken lighting. Yet, this subway is the main artery between the busy upbeat Chiswick High Road and the tranquility and beauty of Chiswick House and Gardens.”

Dana Skelley, Director of Asset Management for Surface Transport at TfL, said: “The Dukes Avenue subway is heavily used by pedestrians throughout the day and this planned refurbishment work as part of our wider Road Modernisation Plan will make the subway safe, clean and accessible for all. We are delighted that the local community are supportive of our work and are excited at the prospect of the subway being further enhanced through local funding for new artwork capturing the vibrant history of Chiswick.”

Kate is contacting local businesses to seek additional funds to bring this exciting art project to life. For more details email Kate@katespace.co.uk

February 12, 2015