QIC Trims helps deliver exceptional acoustic experience

QIC Trims supplied the high-quality aluminium interior building solutions as part of an exceptional package of acoustic wall-lining and suspended ceiling works for the UK’s sole music-first arena.

The products were installed throughout the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester, a stunning new event space designed to welcome the world’s biggest, most exciting performers. Co-op Live boasts the largest floor space of any indoor UK venue. Featuring cutting-edge visual technology, exceptional acoustics and an innovative sound bowl design, everything about this phenomenal building is tailored to create an unforgettable fan experience.

Acoustic performance was also central to providing first-class soundproofing to limit noise impacts on nearby residencies. QIC Trims’ solutions were essential to this outcome. The company’s supply of bespoke acoustic metal wall panel solutions and bespoke bracketry ensured the arena’s acoustic wall linings, suspended ceilings and various architectural metalworks were provided with secure, smart, easy-fit perimeters. QIC Trims’ designed in house slab edge linings were installed as a standalone package, with the company’s additional trims providing an ideal accompaniment to various manufactured perimeter systems and brackets throughout the arena.

QIC’s robust, reliable products were selected for the Co-op Live Arena project by John Atkinson Interiors, leading manufacturers of acoustic control products and suspended ceilings. They were chosen to fulfil the functional and performance requirements of each acoustic wall lining and suspended ceiling installation. Each of these was designed by Populous Architects.

Matthew Teare, Contracts Manager at John Atkinson Interiors, said QIC was a ‘critical partner’ during the Co-op Live Arena’s design and delivery phases. “From early design engagement, through mock-up and product trials, all QIC staff members showed a genuine desire to deliver on the project,” he said. “Connor Howard, Computer Aided Design Technician at QIC, has been a driving force on the scheme, having acted as our first point of contact. He helped develop the ceilings’ complex bulkhead design, quickly dealing with any bespoke design and proposal requests we had.

“Throughout the project, QIC response times and ability to turn around architectural metalwork sections and panels in a matter of days have been fantastic. I would strongly recommend other companies engage with QIC early on projects to see what support they can offer.”

The 23,500 capacity Co-op Live Arena, which contains 32 bars and restaurants, will host more than 120 major live events each year. QIC Trims is proud to have delivered a range of bespoke aluminium interior building products to ensure the Co-op Live Arena lives up to its reputation as a spectacular performance experience that, sonically and aesthetically, will astound millions of visitors for many years to come.