Polo, a multifaceted bear, served as the centerpiece of the New Bailey development during the winter of 2016. This development is situated along the banks of the River Irwell, adjacent to Spinningfield in Manchester, UK.

The New Bailey project is a collaborative effort led by ECF, a joint venture involving Muse Development, Legal and General Development, and the Home and Communities Agency, in partnership with Salford City Council.

The objective was to create a public art installation that would not only draw in visitors but also have a thematic connection to the Winter Wonderland. Polo was conceived as a temporary public art piece that would captivate seasonal audiences and fulfill this vision.

The Manchester Polar Bear is crafted from aluminum, standing at a height of 2.5 meters and stretching 6 meters in length.

Its design incorporates geometric shapes to create the distinctive form of a polar bear, symbolizing the seasonal attraction and event that unfolded during the Christmas period of 2016 in New Bailey. Polar bears are synonymous with winter and the Christmas season, thanks to their association with snow and their natural habitat in cold climates. The 3D sculptural representation of this magnificent animal was meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression and serve as a focal point for the area and event.

Moreover, the Polar bear project was eco-friendly. It featured LED lights strategically placed around the bear, powered by solar energy generated right at the bear’s feet. The solar energy components were ingeniously concealed at the base of the structure, cleverly disguised as a block of aluminum ice. The system was programmed to autonomously activate its own captivating light display.