Is it a bird?
Is it a plane.....?

Architectural features come in all shapes and sizes and this one pushes both boundaries.

Meant as an abstract nod in the direction of a wind-surfer, this gateway feature at the M60 motorway access to Manchester’s Sharston Business Park is both dramatic and quite stunning as it stands 5.9M in the central reservation of the approach road.

Appearing to be made of polished stainless steel it is in fact moulded in GRP on an internal steel frame. At night the whole structure is internally illuminated when the graphic detail lights up in multi-colours.

The structure is a ‘one-off’ moulded in translucent GRP laminate which was subsequently finished with the graphics and silver finish. Containing lighting systems, it needs to offer ready access for maintenance while remain impervious to vandal attack and impact from thrown missiles.

The feature has become a bit of a landmark and attracted complimentary interest from all facets of commerce and industry. Being quite close to the airport, international attention has been strong too with enquiries coming from America and all over Europe.