A series of creative light installation events are being held within a canal tunnel beneath Manchester Piccadilly station this week. From tomorrow evening, The Canal and River Trust will be hosting the events in an attempt to 'change perceptions' of these often 'underused and under-loved' spaces.
The free events - taking place tomorrow, Wednesday, and Thursday between 5.30pm and 7pm - come after a consultation by the Trust to see what improvements can be made to transform the section of canal in the city centre. Issues raised by residents included a need to address anti-social behaviour and improve safety on the undercroft section of the canal.
More lighting and the use of of this section, between lock 86 and 84, as an active travel route were suggested solutions to this, which the light installation events hope to highlight. BDP has been appointed by the Trust to implement the artistic light installations.
READ MORE: From Michelin star kitchens to a village pub... chef Gary Usher's new spot is a gem
Chris Lowe, senior lighting designer at BDP, said: “Manchester is a dense place and continued urban sprawl and development is creating more dark and undesirable spaces across the city. Forward thinking developers and organisations like The Canal and River Trust are realising the power of lighting to make Manchester’s spaces safer whilst bringing them back in to regular use.
"Lighting installations are not just about showing how good design can illuminate the dark, they have the power bring security, activity and vibrancy, transforming once undesirable and unsafe areas into bright, welcoming and secure spaces that everyone can use. These installations will use various types of lighting technology to create striking, close lit effects, with immersive and expansive designs that bring intrigue and drama to the undercroft. It will be a stunning, creative and innovative addition to Manchester’s waterways."
James Long, engagement manager for the Canal and River Trust, added: "We’re excited to host these transformative one-off light events in the undercroft, which will allow people to experience a different view of this unique place. We would love people to come along and share their thoughts and perceptions of what they would like to see happen with the undercroft.
"The canal offers an amazing, tranquil space, where everything slows down right in the city centre. With research telling us that time spent by the water can help us all to feel happier and more relaxed, it’s vital that we keep these special places open and safe for us all to enjoy both now and for future generations."
Access to the undercroft is from the BDP studio on Ducie Street. For tickets and more information click here.
For more of today's top What's On stories click here.
READ NEXT:
