Mermaid Quay Case Study
Mermaid Quay, the top dining and leisure destination, is located in the heart of Cardiff Bay. It boasts over 30 restaurants, bars and cafes and has recently undergone a comprehensive refurbishment. This is where the Dragons swooped in to help!
Dragon Signs are proud to have been involved in the project from design to installation by providing all new signage across the quay, transforming the appearance of Mermaid Quay, and creating a contemporary dockside feel. It complements the stunning waterfront location and allows each business to #brandoutfromthecrowd with our bespoke external signage.
New signage includes:
- Projecting shop signs on every business, to highlight the unique branding for each individual business.
- 1-meter-high illuminated letters, to attract passers-by from below.
- Digital wayfinding signage, to direct visitors around Mermaid Quay.
Planning for the comprehensive package of public realm works was granted in 2018 for the initial phases, including redecoration, new wall finishes and high-level signage, and was completed in 2019. However, the remaining works were halted due to Covid-19.
Now the refurbishment of the 150,000 sq ft centre, which has welcomed over 100 million visitors since it opened in 1999, has continued and we’re so happy that we could be a part of the process.
The Method
The Dragons were brought in to turn the already well-loved site of Cardiff Bay into a captivating, vibrant location that welcomes children and adults alike. The process began with advising the best material and finish to ensure longevity whilst keeping the look and feel of the area.
All signage was custom fabricated and included the use of brushed stainless steel and aluminum, alongside LED illumination to minimise power consumption. Digital screens were also implemented within directional totems to enhance visitor engagement and knowledge of the surrounding area. The use of rope built into the base of freestanding signage was also used to give a nautical look and feel.
There were several consultations and design updates prior to the project starting, to ensure the Dragon team created the perfect signage that was eye-catching, vibrant, and enhanced the look and feel of Mermaid Quay.
Mike Roche, Projects Director at Dragon Signs, explained “We were extremely pleased to be awarded this project within such an iconic Cardiff location. The process had its challenges but once we overcame a few hurdles we made sure to create signage that fitted perfectly alongside its surroundings. The team all pulled together to create some stunning visual representations across the quay to elevate the popular location.”
The Results
The team at Mermaid Quay were looking for something that made note to the rich heritage surrounding the quay, whilst also being vibrant and eye-catching, and that’s exactly what the Dragons achieved! The external signage surrounding the Bay has completely enhanced the look and feel of Mermaid Quay and, we believe, it looks much better!
Don’t just take our word for it, here’s what Simon Whiting, Centre Manager, CBRE said “We knew that Dragons Signs were the perfect team to help us create the best signage that complemented the stunning waterfront views and busy surroundings. After a few consultations, where we discussed the suitability and durability of materials for the job, we found the perfect solution which we think looks even better than anticipated.”
