A new, light-up sculpture has been revealed outside Manchester Piccadilly station, aiming to welcome passengers in and out of the city. The 8-foot artwork sits outside the station’s taxi rank on Fairfield Street greeting train travellers but the sculpture also has an important safety purpose.
The bright MCR sculpture has been installed as part of measures to protect passengers in high-pedestrian areas from vehicles which may mount the footpath. Rebecca Rathore, Network Rail’s North West route strategy director, said the sculpture is part of a “new, comprehensive line of defence to help people feel more secure when they’re out and about” and keep passengers safer at stations across the North West.
The MCR sculpture was created in collaboration with Network Rail, Thornton Tomasetti and ATG Access and delivered by Commercial Property Maintenance Services (CPMS). Designed and manufactured by ATG’s in-house engineering team, the sculpture aims to pay homage to Manchester’s rich industrial and engineering heritage. The design draws inspiration from industrial elements still present throughout Manchester Piccadilly station and the trains that once graced the railway, whilst integrating the sculpture with a modern lighting system.
Peter Gibbons M.B.E., Network Rail’s Chief Security Officer said: “We are continually striving to improve station security across our network, and this sculpture will help people feel even more secure while on the move.”
Alongside the unveiling of the MCR sculpture, a bee statue has also been presented outside of Manchester Piccadilly. The sculpture, named ‘Guardian’ was created by UK based artist movi_808, and reflects the city’s industrial heritage and follows on from the existing honeybee sculptures in the city. Placed on one of the station’s existing blocks, the sculpture also functions as a barrier to prevent vehicles from entering the footpath.