Liverpool ONE is looking for an attractive, sustainable alternative to the astroturf they install on the Sugar House Steps for spring 2025.
The steps are an iconic landmark in Liverpool which are frequently used by locals and visitors to enjoy milder weather throughout spring and summer, watch performances, and take a lunch break from shopping.
For many years they have installed astroturf each March and removed it in October as it reaches the end of its lifespan with heavy use. For 2025 they need a sustainable way to dress these steps which meets the criteria set out on the next page.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4qENuvXB4qymogYx9
Requirements for Dressing the Steps
Installation should be complete by mid-March 2025.
The dressing could remain in place permanently but allow for changes through the seasons, or be removeable in October as they look for a more permanent solution for 2026 onwards.
The dressing should provide photo opportunities. Lots of people love creating videos and photos on the stairs. The installation should signify the start of spring. They are renowned in Liverpool for marking the start of spring by installing astroturf, with many positive comments on social media.
Any materials and structures installed should:
• Be weather resistant and durable enough to last for a minimum of 8 months
March to October 2025 if a temporary solution. It can be repaired/topped
up/refurbished seasonally within this period but the overall installation
should last 8 months. Or if the installation is intended to last for a number of
years reflective of the budget, it could be a (semi)permanent installation.
• Be manufactured off site and able to be installed quickly rather than a
lengthy process on site. If artwork is to be painted directly onto the stairs
this can take as long as is necessary however the paint must be removable
at the end of a designated period.
• Be quick drying from rain so that people can sit on any materials as part of
the installation as soon as possible after rain
• Have proof of slip testing
• Not have any trip hazards, people will walk on the stairs while this
seating/dressing is in place.
• Not feature anything that can be climbed or moved/pushed down the stairs
• Be washable for food and drink spillages, bird droppings, and general dirt
• Have a suitable level of fire retardancy/resistance depending on the material
• Be repairable. If part is damaged we need to be able to replace only that
section or repair it rather than having to remove the whole installation
• Be semi-permanent so that it does not need to be removed or barriered off
each night for security reasons
• Not require any supervision during its use
• Provide a comfortable seating option which will increase dwell time, and
provide a seated viewing area for performances which take place facing the
steps
• Be manufactured and eventually disposed of sustainably or reused
• Be mindful in its manufacture, transportation, and installation of the
embodied carbon footprint.
How you’ll work with Liverpool ONE
Liverpool ONE’s Head of Sustainability and Head of Technical Services will work with the appointed artist or company to agree materials and an installation method. The Place Strategy Team will be involved in the creative side of the proposal.
Fixings
It is possible to fix into the stone stairs however it’s preferable due to trip hazards when any items are removed to only fix into the vertical sides of the stairs. Ideally there would not be new holes each time/year a structure is installed, and instead
there would be pre-drilled ground anchor point fixings which remain in the stairs for the next time.
Timescales
Please submit an initial proposal by 1 November 2024
This should include images and an idea of cost, materials, fixings, and how the proposal meets the criteria.
Detailed proposal by 22 November 2024
Liverpool ONE will choose one or more proposals to be considered in detail for the company/artist to finalise all the costs, design, quantities, materials and fixings.
This detailed proposal should be provided by 22 November 2024.
Meetings W/C 2 December 2024
They plan to meet with the preferred company/artist to finalise the installation W/C 2 December 2024. Following this we may need further costings or investigations before a final installation is agreed.
Sign off by 13 December 2024
Liverpool ONE’s Technical Services team, Sustainability Team and Place Strategy Team will sign off the proposals and give the go ahead for ordering and manufacture by 13 December 2024.
Ordering and manufacturing period January to mid-March 2025 Installation mid-March 2025
Costs
An overall budget has not been set. They require an idea of costs with your initial proposal, followed by a fully-costed submission for the next stage.
Please submit any questions or initial ideas to: melody@liverpool-one.com