BUDDING artists could have their work displayed on a prime site in Altrincham for all to see.


The unique prize is being offered by the Sale and Altrincham Messenger, Altrincham Hospital – part of Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (CMFT) – Citybranch and Pochin.


And members of the public will now have their chance to cast their votes on what art they would like to see on display.


Would-be Monets and potential Picassos are being invited to show just what a healthy and happy town Altrincham is by producing artwork.


The winning drawings will be displayed on hoardings at the construction site of the new Altrincham Hospital. Messenger has teamed up with the CMFT, Altrincham Hospital developer, Citybranch, and development partner, Pochin, to offer artists of all ages the opportunity to have their designs displayed for the duration of the construction.


The brief is simple – show us your pictures about Altrincham – a healthy and happy town.


Whether it’s the beautiful sights of its many parks, the town’s health services you love, or your vision of the new Altrincham Hospital, send in your artwork and your picture could be brightening the new hospital site.


A panel of judges, including SAM’s community editor Keith Morris, and the leader of Trafford Council, Matthew Colledge, will review the entries before a selection of winners have their artwork printed on to the hoarding boards.

And members of the public will also get the chance to have their say when the artwork goes on display at Altrincham Forward’s office in Shaws Road. The public’s ‘scores’ will be taken into account by the judging panel.


Mr Morris said: “Altrincham is a wonderful town with a rich history that is loved by its residents.


“I’m sure everyone in the town must have plenty of feelings about Altrincham and the new hospital, and now the people who matter, the town’s residents, will get the chance to have their say as well.


“I’m really looking forward to seeing some the product of the creative talents we have in the town.”


Adam Gross, from Citybranch, added: “The new Altrincham Hospital will look fantastic once it’s built, but we wanted to give residents something attractive to look at during its construction. I hope the community will relish this challenge and send through their best drawings, paintings and illustrations to show us exactly what Altrincham means to them.”


Construction on the new hospital started in April and the hospital is due to open in early 2015.


Entries are open to everyone, from schools and community groups to amateur artists, living in Sale or Altrincham.


Send your artwork to Altrincham Hospital Art competition, Sale and Altrincham Messenger, Crossford Court, Sale M33 7BZ by the closing date of July 18.


Trafford Council leader and chairman of Altrincham Forward Matt Colledge said he was looking forward to being part of the competition’s judging panel. 

“These are exciting times and the art competition is one way of us involving local people and building on this.


“We know part of Altrincham’s appeal is the huge amount of creative, artistic talent which exists. I’m encouraging anyone, young or old alike, who feel they could create a piece of artwork which sums up all that makes the area so great to enter this competition.


“We all have very different views on what makes for a happy, healthy life and I’m excited to see these illustrated through the competition entries.”