Polo is a multi- faceted bear that was the centrepiece of the New Bailey development in the winter of 2016 which is located on the banks of the River Irwell adjacent to Spinningfield in Manchester, UK 

The New Bailey development is being delivered by ECF, a joint venture between Muse Development, Legal and Development and the Home and Communities Agency in partnership with Salford City Council. 

The brief was to develop a public art piece that would attract visitors and also have a connection to the Winter Wonderland and to be a temporary public art installation that would also be a great seasonal attraction- from this Polo was born.

The Manchester Polar Bear is made from aluminium stands 2.5m tall and 6m long.

Designed using geometric shapes the form makes up a polar bear to represent the seasonal attraction and event that was taking place over the Christmas period of 2016 in New Bailey.’ Polar Bears are associated with Winter and the Christmas season due to their proximity with snow and the fact they live in cold climates. A 3D sculptural form of this animal was designed to make an impact and to be a focal point of the area and event. 

The Polar bear was a green project. Each LED was positioned around the bear and ran on solar power which was generated right at Polos feet. The solar energy components are hidden at the base of the structure disguised as a block of aluminium ice. The system programmed to automatically turn on its own light display.