Signbox has recently completed an extensive branding and wayfinding project at Haven Point, a new £17 million world-class leisure complex at South Shields sea front. Owned and operated by South Tyneside Council, this development forms a key element of the regeneration of South Shields and the seafront to enhance the Borough’s health, wellbeing and tourism offer.
Officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge on Friday 22 November; the inspirationally designed facility comprises:
- a 25M competition pool and 18M teaching pool, both with adjustable floors for varying age groups and abilities
- leisure waters with slides, sprays, bubble spa and water play
- a sauna, steam room and 86 station gym
- two dance studios
- visitor information centre, café, lounge, outdoor terrace, multi-purpose rooms and amphitheatre with rooftop gallery providing seafront views
Signbox has a pedigree in supplying signage to the hotel and leisure sector; one of its core markets with comprehensive projects completed at resorts both in the UK and overseas. It was the extensive portfolio of sign systems that convinced LA Architects to commission Signbox as the signage contractor for Haven Point.
The project comprised static internal wayfinding, branding, glazing manifestation and digital wallpaper. Signbox’s modular sign system was specified as an elegant and robust solution for ceiling suspended directories, powder-coated and digitally screen printed with text and graphics on a Durst UV direct-to-surface printer. Various wall mounted signs comprised tactile and Braille lettering to meet DDA compliance. External signage included low energy LED illuminated and non-illuminated monoliths providing wayfinding and directory information.
The faceted architectural detail of the building was reflected in graphic elements throughout the sign design and within the glazing manifestations from 3M ‘etched’ vinyl across the extensive glazed areas of the complex. The large bespoke monoliths were engineered to suit the exposed coastal location, with a specification for the structures to be resistant to the corrosive environment and all components hot zinc coated.
Mark Bartlett, Managing Director of Signbox, comments, “Regardless of whether a specification calls for bespoke or off-the-shelf signage solutions, the success of a scheme is dependent on a collaborative process with our project managers working closely with the contractor, architect and designer to understand the form and function of a building. We were delighted to work with LA Architects on this project, from initial specification to successful completion.”
