In the heart of Salford Quays, between Media City and the Ordsall Riverside, the former Colgate-Palmolive factory is undergoing a major redevelopment. Renamed as Soapworks, the building is currently being revitalised with plans for future commercial, retail and entertainment opportunities.
Whilst the exterior appearance of the factory and boiler house is set to change, the red brickwork of the chimney remains untouched and it is this iconic chimney that now hosts a spectacular statement of intent for the building’s future.
The word “SOAPWORKS”, reaching a distance of 18 metres from the first floor windows, overlooks the Manchester Ship Canal and Pomona, Metrolink’s only elevated tram stop.
Designed, manufactured and installed by Sign Specialists, the display consists of fabricated letters populated with red, green, blue and white LED, all fully under DMX control allowing for complex colour sequencing. As Manchester United achieved their 19th league title in 2011 and with Old Trafford just a stones throw away, it seemed fitting to capture the signage in red & white.
