Manchester Piccadilly Gardens

Client: Havercroft Construction Limited

Location: Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester

Finish: Yellow Brass

Brief

Havercroft Construction approached us to support a redevelopment project at Piccadilly Gardens, where an existing concrete roof and walls were removed to open up the space between two retail units.

As part of the new scheme, decorative wall finishes were required to sit alongside a series of star-shaped LED light features. The intent was to create a high-impact, reflective surface that would enhance the lighting and stand out within a busy public environment.

Due to the live site conditions and programme constraints, all works needed to be completed on-site within a four-week window.

Design

The scheme required 24 star-shaped features to be applied directly onto existing concrete walls beneath the LED lighting.

To achieve the requested gold aesthetic, we developed a range of liquid metal samples using different metal blends, including:

Aluminium and Gunsmoke
Antique Yellow Gold
Bronze and Brass
Brushed Gold

Following a site visit in March 2024, we carried out a survey, risk assessment, and on-site sample testing to assess colour, reflectivity, and suitability for the environment.

Yellow Brass was selected as the final finish, offering the right balance of warmth, reflectivity, and visual impact when paired with the lighting scheme.

Make

With the finish agreed, four artisans were deployed on-site between late April and early May 2024.

Working on an active site introduced challenges not present in a controlled workshop environment, particularly around dust, access, and coordination with other trades. Preparation was therefore critical.

The working areas were carefully masked and protected
Surfaces were cleaned, repaired, and stabilised
A suitable primer was applied to ensure adhesion to the concrete substrate

The liquid metal was then rolled on-site, allowing us to achieve a seamless, consistent finish across each star feature. A protective lacquer was applied to maintain the appearance and prevent natural oxidation, ensuring long-term performance in an external environment.

Reveal

Delivered on-site, on time, and within programme, the finished installation forms part of a wider public-facing scheme in a high-footfall area of Manchester.

2 years on, the finish continues to perform well, maintaining both its appearance and integrity, and we expect it to for at least 25 years. This project demonstrates the suitability of liquid metal for external applications and on-site installation, particularly where durability, visual impact, and programme constraints are critical.

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