The ‘CityLink’ walking route is a public art trail for the Co-op Live arena in Manchester City Centre. Conceptualised, designed and delivered by NEWSUBSTANCE to encourage sustainable travel choices to and from the venue, Stage One was honoured to be involved in this 11-part installation, a legacy that will remain for years to come.
“It has been a pleasure working with Stage One on these installations having partnered on successful previous projects. The team’s collaborative nature and dedicated hard work ensured the successful fabrication and installation of key pieces for Co-op Live’s 11-part public art trail walking route.”
Mike Birch, Technical Director, NEWSUBSTANCE
LIGHT ANTENNAS:
These twin antennas are each more than nine metres tall and incorporate lighting, speakers and display screens. Combining 40x40mm, 50x50mm and 100x100mm mild steel box section to create their complex geometric configuration, each structure was made as a single assembly with bespoke covers to accommodate the coloured Perspex panels. Drilling the holes required, adding rivet nuts and fitting the Perspex was a time consuming process.
Three colours of panels were cut to shape on our water jet cutter, not the quickest method available but it provided a cleaner finish for this material; the higher levels of heat generated by alternative methods could have resulted in discolouration of the cut edge. Capping covers were added to the panel fittings to facilitate future access should any panels need replacing if damaged or vandalised during the long-term installation period.
We fabricated bespoke bracketry for the fitting of LED lighting, and manufactured steel base plates for the antennas to sit on. We added a rigging point to their top using a swivel eyebolt for lifting, as well as incorporating an access panel to the rear where the power supply of the LED lighting, display screens and speakers was located. Sound from the speakers was amplified via stainless steel spun dishes fitted to the exterior of the antennas, the brackets of which we pre-drilled for cable management.
Each antenna was loaded on separate transport and on site each lifted from the truck, spun into position mid-air, lowered to the ground upon the threaded bolts protruding from the bolt cages set within the foundations, and finally secured into place. Located close to tram lines, installation took place over night once the trams had ceased operation to ensure the safety of all parties involved.
These projects also form part of the ‘CityLink’ public art trail for the Co-op Live arena in Manchester City Centre:
The Big M
Hive Tunnel
Climate Pledge Arch
Walk This Way
