Nationwide Platforms Working a Dream

Nationwide Platforms were recently brought in to help with the installation of a giant statue on the site of the former Sutton Manor colliery near St Helens, Merseyside. Two Genie G85’s were chosen to assist with the construction of ‘Dream’, the work of internationally renowned contemporary artist and sculptor Jaumes Plensa, overlooking the M62, where it will be seen by the huge volume of motorists passing daily.

Part of Lavendon Access Services, and the largest and most experienced supplier of powered access in the UK, Nationwide Platforms undertook a site survey, and identified the G85 as the most suitable solution for the installation of the work of art. The diesel powered machine has a self propelled articulated boom, the upper section providing fantastic accuracy when positioning the platform, and offering precise manoeuvrability which was of obvious importance when dealing with such an important work of art. With 28 metres of reach height and over 23 metres of horizontal outreach, the G85 easily allowed the operatives to access all parts of the 20 metre high sculpture.

Peter Douglas, Managing Director of Nationwide Platforms commented: "We offer over 13,000 machines from a national network of 28 depots working on different jobs around the country, and this particular job caught my eye. I am thrilled that Nationwide Platforms could help with such an important installation, and I look forward to seeing Dream in person."

Dubbed the North-West’s answer to the Angel of the North, Dream is fabricated in pre-cast concrete, with a white marble/concrete aggregate mix, and takes the form of a young girl’s head with eyes closed, in a dream like state. The £1.9 million project was developed for the ‘Big Art Project’, a major national public art initiative linked to Channel 4, which received support from Arts Council England and The Art Fund.