Lighting upgrade for M&S Bank Arena

CorEnergy completed the £1.7m lighting upgrade for M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, and the projects of refurbishment and additional control system were successfully completed in time for the Eurovision Song Contest (May 2023). The works included the Design, supply, installation and commissioning of new LED lighting and emergency lighting system with DALI 2 addressable controls.   

As Principal Contractors, CorEnergy selected and managed the subcontract installation electricians and took full responsibility for health and safety and CDM duties. All works were certified to BS 7671 18th Edition and NICEIC EICs issued. 

Principle contractor requirements:

• Installation of all lighting within the front of house areas
• Installation of new wiring infrastructure to all front of house luminaires, this consists of Paradigm ETC DMX & Dali Lighting 
• Working alongside the commissioning company through the install and functionality stages of the project
• Working alongside the consultant through the design and installation stages
• Preparation of floor layout drawings and wiring schematics
• Project Management of the full installation
• Supervision of electrical engineers onsite

Our in-house Lighting Design Team reviewed the As Fitting Drawings provided by the client and undertook detailed site survey to compare the current fittings in situ with the tender requirements specified to identify any potential anomalies/areas for clarification.  

At the client’s request, CorEnergy undertook the redesign of the lighting solution to meet the ACC Liverpool’s new project requirements.  Initial designs were reviewed and approved via our internal quality assessment processes to review design suitability, health and safety requirements and costs to ensure consistency of approach and Value for Money prior to being submitted to the client for approval.

CorEnergy assisted the onsite client consultant to source correct luminary fittings to meet the new design. All changes and amendments were undertaken in the spirit of open collaboration and partnership to ensure the client’s needs were fully met in time for the prestigious event.  Prior to finalising the design, a full review was undertaken with the client to gain approval for the design and the new specified fittings.  The redesign also required a revised programme to be developed, taking into account specific sequencing of events to account for client needs and the site being a ‘live events’ venue throughout the install.  This required weekly reviews of progress through the install to account for new events planned into the Arena’s schedule.  

The project was delivered safely on time and within a fixed cost budget. As an ongoing client, CorEnergy will continue to work alongside ACC Liverpool to deliver high-end luminary solutions to replace the existing Emergency Lighting following the conclusion of the Eurovision Song Contest.

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