Northern Quarter Light Tower

Manchester Evening News

A light tower said to be 'an integral part of the Northern Quarter's art scene' has been restored.

The tower, on top of the Church Street car park, has been revived by NCP and CityCo, Manchester’s city centre management company.

NCP Commissioned Electrical Installations (Lincs) Ltd, their main electrical contractor, to replace the old neon lighting with new LED fitments.

Much needed renovations were made to Peter Freeman's 'toy boy' installation as a number of neon light tubes were replaced with eco-friendly LED lighting.

It was first switched on at the Northern Quarter Street Festival in 1999 after being commissioned by Liam Curton and funded by The Arts Council.

The installation consists of 76 florescent multi-coloured lights, stands 12 metres high and is positioned on the red tower of the car park.

Tommy Wolstencroft, project manager for CityCo, said: "This much-loved piece of art has well and truly become part of the Northern Quarter landscape, it wouldn’t be the same without it.

"The work undertaken to keep the Light Tower was significant and did require some changes to the original lighting.

"CityCo liaised with Peter Freeman to ensure he was happy with the required renovations and he was in full support of the work NCP carried out.

"We’re delighted with the result and it’s great to see the Tower lighting up our skies once again.”

The Light Tower was switched back on in 2010 after sitting in darkness for nearly five years but then fell into disrepair and without an agreed programme of works, would have needed to be removed permanently.

Designer Peter Freeman said: "The Northern Quarter Light Tower was one of my first public art commissions and has always been a very special sculpture for me.

"The original concept for the light tower was a beacon of optimism reflecting the creative life and regeneration of the Northern Quarter.

It's wonderful that the spirit has been rekindled and the light tower is spreading its magic again.”

Councillor Pat Karney, city centre spokesperson for Manchester City Council added: "The Light Tower is held in great affection by everyone who lives, works and visits the Northern Quarter and I've been a big fan of it ever since it was switched on all those years ago.

No-one wants to see it go and it’s fantastic to see its place secured for years to come.”