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
WALK THIS WAY:
A neon wayfinding sign illuminates the starting point and direction of travel along the interactive pathway towards the Co-op Live arena.
Formed using 6mm mild steel – the column 200x200mm box section, the arrowhead 100x100mm box section – the materials were first laser cut to the required dimensions. Further processing in our machine shop involved the manufacture of a bespoke capping plate to cover the lifting point; the laser cutting of the holes required for the LED lighting and power supply; and the press braking of the LED enclosures.
Once fabricated the item was degreased, shot blasted, and primed to a high specification that would sustain the intended life of 20 years. Additionally, we manufactured a bespoke lifting frame for loading and transportation to site.
For its installation we manufactured bolt cages that sat in the foundations, with threaded bars protruding above the surface level. The sign was lowered onto the threaded bars, levelled, the bolts cut to length and capped. Electricians wired the power supply for illumination and tarmac was laid to cover the foundations.
Situated alongside a main road and close to a tramline, installation was completed during a night shift to minimise disruption to the local area whilst providing a safe environment for those working on site.
These projects also form part of the ‘CityLink’ public art trail for the Co-op Live arena in Manchester City Centre:
The Big M
Light Antennas
Hive Tunnel
Climate Pledge Arch
