SouthGate Shopping Centre, Bath

Project Overview

Fibre Moulds was commissioned by Havercroft Construction Ltd to manufacture and deliver a series of large-scale bespoke sculptural features for SouthGate Shopping Centre in Bath.

The project required the creation of complex organic forms that would integrate seamlessly with the existing seating and public spaces within the shopping centre. Accuracy was critical, as the finished structures needed to align perfectly with the surrounding environment while creating an attractive and engaging feature for visitors.

Fibre Moulds managed the entire project from manufacture through to final installation.

The Challenge

Unlike traditional fibreglass projects, this installation could not be produced using moulds.

Each feature was unique and required a completely bespoke manufacturing approach.

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the final shapes aligned precisely with the existing seating arrangements within the shopping centre. Any variation in size or shape would have affected the overall appearance and fit of the installation.

Achieving consistency across the structures while maintaining the required dimensions demanded careful planning and attention to detail throughout the build process.

Our Solution

To create the required forms, bespoke timber frameworks were constructed to establish the overall shape of each feature.

Once the framework was completed, chicken wire was applied and carefully shaped to achieve the desired contours and profiles. This provided the foundation for the fibreglass construction process.

The structures were then reinforced using fibreglass to create durable, long-lasting installations capable of withstanding the demands of a busy public environment.

Throughout the project, Fibre Moulds coordinated the manufacturing process, monitored quality and ensured each structure matched the design requirements before installation.

Manufacture & Installation

The project was completed over a period of approximately three months.

Key stages included:

• Project planning and coordination

• Timber framework construction

• Hand-shaped form development

• Fibreglass reinforcement

• Surface preparation and finishing

• Quality control

• Installation management

By managing the entire process from manufacture through to installation, Fibre Moulds ensured the finished structures integrated perfectly within the SouthGate Shopping Centre environment.

Outcome

The completed installation transformed the space and created a striking visual feature for visitors to SouthGate Shopping Centre.

The project demonstrated Fibre Moulds' ability to deliver large-scale bespoke fabrication projects without relying on traditional mould-making techniques, combining creative fabrication, engineering accuracy and practical project management.

The finished installation successfully achieved the client's vision and became an attractive addition to one of Bath's premier retail destinations.