Dale Street Pavement Lights, Manchester

We were commissioned to carry out a condition survey of fifteen pavement lights located on Dale Street in Manchester, including the adjoining side streets of Tariff Street and Port Street. During the inspection we identified multiple defects, including cracks and fractures within the ironwork as well as several missing or broken glass blocks.

Following our condition survey and consultation with a structural engineer, it was concluded that the existing pavement lights were beyond economical repair. It was therefore agreed that new pavement lights would be cast in iron as direct replicas of the original units.

A photograph of the original pavement lights at Dale Street in Manchester prior to replication by Calibre Metalwork.

The pavement lights consisted of three similar designs. Most consisted of pairs of large castings with a central join, but this particular example (one of two on site) featured a single curved unit.

A photograph showing the full extent of degradation of the pavement lights from Dale Street, Manchester prior to replication by Calibre Metalwork.

Within the workshop the full extent of degradation became even more apparent. Multiple breaks were discovered on the underside of the glazing bars, along with additional damage that had not been visible during the initial site survey. We were able to carefully remove samples of the patterned cast glass blocks for replication and accurately survey the dimensions of the castings to inform the production of precise replicas.

A photograph of detailed technical drawings produced by Calibre Metalwork to capture the structural specifications and the aesthetic characteristics of the original pavement lights at Dale Street, Manchester.

Detailed technical drawings were produced to capture both the structural specifications and the aesthetic characteristics of the original pavement lights. Once approved, these drawings informed our patternmaker for the creation of bespoke pattern work. This was then used to produce moulds for casting the new iron pavement lights as faithful replicas of the originals.

A photograph of the new grey iron castings for the pavement lights at Dale Street, Manchester replicated by Calibre Metalwork.

New grey iron castings were subsequently produced and subjected to load testing to verify their structural integrity. Each casting was finish painted using our heritage-approved paint system and the pavement lights were individually glazed, with each glass block carefully set in grout to provide long term durability while maintaining an authentic appearance.

A photograph of the finished castings at Dale Street, Manchester installed by a building contractor after replication by Calibre Metalwork.

The finished castings were delivered to site and installed by the building contractor who ensured a proper seal was achieved around the perimeter connection to the stonework, resulting in a secure and visually consistent finish.

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