“The best beer garden in the world”.
Located at the heart of Manchester’s Spinningfields district, Crown Square has been re-developed into a flexible and vibrant outdoor leisure space. CWC have supported the client, Allied London, with enhanced performance design services through planning to RIBA Stage 3.
Sector
Retail, Hotels and Leisure
Value
£1 Million
Client
Allied London
Gallery
The square was re-designed by award winning Spanish architects Arriola & Fiol, taking inspiration from European plazas to create a relaxing outdoor social space. The Oast House Pub, which began life as a temporary pop-up bar, has been refurbished and extended to become the centrepiece of the re—imagined square. A permanent stage, two standalone outdoor bars and an extensive seating area come together to create “the best beer garden in the world”.
The Lighting Solution
CWC were commissioned to draw up the Stage 3 design for the external lighting and heating solution complete with bespoke control system, as well as the below ground ducting provision connecting the satellite buildings including pop-up utilities provision to the seasonal tepee.
The outdoor lighting was designed to compliment the architecture and provide further functionality to the space. Highly efficient LEDs within the overhead canopy provide lighting to the seating area. Coupled with external heaters, this allows the space to be used into the early hours all year round. The robust linear fixtures blend into the lines of the canopy and highlight the lines of the feature steelwork structure designed by Curtins.
Accent lighting around the perimeter steps brings another dimension to the space, lightening the whole square by drawing the eye away from areas the canopy lighting does not reach. Completely concealed within the concrete steps, the luminaries are protected from the heavy traffic and the vigorous cleaning routines operated by the Oast House.
The result is a lively, year-round outdoor space to rival any European plaza.
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