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Co-op Live: ‘Citylink’ Walking Route

Co-op Live: ‘Citylink’ Walking Route — Capturing anticipation and intrigue with powerful public placemaking.

  • Project Type: Placemaking
  • CLIENT: Oak View Group
  • LOCATION: Manchester, UK
  • Year: 2024

Commission 

When Oak View Group commissioned us to create an inspiring, celebratory experience for Manchester’s new Co-op Live indoor arena, we transformed the venue’s walking route with an engaging public art trail.

A colourful light arch lit up at night as a pink sunset occurs in the background.

Response

Our blank canvas was the ‘Citylink’ walking route, which connects the arena with Piccadilly Station, Ancoats, New Islington and Holt Town. To bring it to life, we designed and installed a series of moments inspired by culture, excitement and community.

 

Through a careful blend of materials, audio soundscapes, lighting, colour and physicality, we elevated the route into a journey of intrigue and anticipation. As the sun sets, bioluminescent lights flicker in the walkways to create contrast, giving the route the freedom to evolve as day turns to night. Inspired by Manchester’s iconic culture, our public art trail speaks to concert-goers, commuters and families alike. No matter their destination, the route engages every pedestrian in a vibrant creative journey.

Light tower lit up as dusk settles.
Silhouette of a man running in front of a colourful light arch. Somebody using their phone to capture an image of a giant light arch. Long exposure shot of blurry trams passing in front of the colourful light tower at dusk. Long exposure shot of light trails in front of the start sign installation for the art trail.
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Huge installation of the letter M made from LED light strips glowing in the dark night time sky. Way finding arrow sign with the words
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The archway of a bridge at dusk being lit by a selection of colourful hexagon light boxes attached to the archway roof.
A puddle on the floor captures the reflection of some colourful LED hexagons.
“
We’re proud to have realised this ambitious project in record time, an initiative that further demonstrates the transformative power of public art. ”
Phil Batty Project Director, NEWSUBSTANCE

Project video | Click to play

05:24
Two workshop workers installing colourful perspex into metal frames. Cut sections of geometric perspex being sorted by man in the workshop. Spray paint artist painting onto an outdoor wall Worker using a pencil and tool to measure something. Man using pliers to put together a lightbox. Man in high vis putting up wall vinyl People stand in high vis vests and hardhats on a construction site with a large archway in the background.
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A shot from the ground with an escalator and a large LED screen display hanging from the ceiling. LED light strips forms a large screen installation hanging above a staircase.
1 / 2
1/19
A colourful light arch lit up at night as a pink sunset occurs in the background.
Light tower lit up as dusk settles.
Silhouette of a man running in front of a colourful light arch.
Somebody using their phone to capture an image of a giant light arch.
Long exposure shot of blurry trams passing in front of the colourful light tower at dusk.
Long exposure shot of light trails in front of the start sign installation for the art trail.
Huge installation of the letter M made from LED light strips glowing in the dark night time sky.
Way finding arrow sign with the words
The archway of a bridge at dusk being lit by a selection of colourful hexagon light boxes attached to the archway roof.
A puddle on the floor captures the reflection of some colourful LED hexagons.
Two workshop workers installing colourful perspex into metal frames.
Cut sections of geometric perspex being sorted by man in the workshop.
Spray paint artist painting onto an outdoor wall
Worker using a pencil and tool to measure something.
Man using pliers to put together a lightbox.
Man in high vis putting up wall vinyl
People stand in high vis vests and hardhats on a construction site with a large archway in the background.
A shot from the ground with an escalator and a large LED screen display hanging from the ceiling.
LED light strips forms a large screen installation hanging above a staircase.

Awards

2024 World Architecture news - Public Realm Category BRONZE

Press

2024 Buskers, bees and a love letter to Manchester - the new £3mn walking route to Co-op Live Manchester Evening News 2024 I tried new Co-op Live and Man City walk that's the alternative to busy Metrolink trams and pricey parking Manchester World

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