Four new signs were required for the studio, and Tring-based Trade Signs were called upon to fulfill the brief. Simon Allen, project manager of the contract, comments: “The initial specification from our client (a design and projects company working for ITV), was to fabricate a large version of the Coronation Street road sign, recreating the pitted look of the cast iron but with a brushed stainless steel finish.”

This order soon increased to four signs of varying sizes, up to 11m long. Allen continues: “Due to the sheer size of the signs, we had to design and fabricate a sufficient support frame to bolt to the wall to receive the main signage fascia. We also had to ensure that our signs (with the heaviest weighing approximately 500kg) would not compromise the soundproofing in place, whilst passing structural tests.”

The installation team were required to overcome a variety of challenges associated with working in a studio, as well as having to secure approval from several parties, including ITV, the onsite contractor, and a range of engineers.

Despite this, Trade Signs succeeded in completing the commission with happy clients all round, as Allen explains: “We paid a huge amount of attention to detail to everything involved on the project. We ensured all of the metalwork was of the highest quality, something we pride ourselves on, and something that was of paramount importance on this highly-prestigious project for ITV and Coronation Street. We worked closely with the client at all times to ensure everything ran smoothly throughout the whole process

The design agency that worked with ITV confirmed this success, commenting: “The opening of ITV's new Coronation Street studios at Media City UK in Manchester in December last year, was a landmark event for the company and for the show itself. The studios surround and support the new £10m Coronation Street film set, which has been painstakingly rebuilt cobble by cobble to match the original.

“The signs were built and installed on time and on budget without a hitch, and we were really impressed with how good the final result was. It was pleasure working with Simon and the team at Trade Signs and we look forward to doing more projects with them in the future.”