Home Eastgate Square Chester – Signage, Wayfinding & Digital Media

Comprehensive Signage, Wayfinding & Digital Media for

Eastgate Square Chester

Project Overview

IS Group were appointed to support the full branding, wayfinding and signage refresh of Eastgate Square, Chester, formerly known as Chester Grosvenor Shopping Centre. This landmark retail destination sits at the heart of the historic city, requiring a signage solution that balanced modern retail clarity with sensitivity to its architectural and cultural surroundings.

Working in close collaboration with Stride, a Chester-based design studio commissioned to deliver the new brand identity, IS Group provided technical consultancy, prototyping, manufacture and installation across a wide-ranging family of internal and external signage elements, including digital media and placemaking features.

Design Development & Collaboration

From the outset, Stride recognised IS Group’s capability to support complex signage projects at design stage and engaged us early in the process. Over several months, we worked collaboratively to advise on materials, construction methods, finishes and installation strategies, supporting numerous design iterations while carefully managing budget constraints.

Crucially, this process never compromised the premium aesthetic required for the new Eastgate Square identity.

IS Group provided:

  • Detailed cost advice for multiple design options
  • Physical samples of materials and finishes
  • Manufactured print and paint samples for review
  • Open access for Stride to visit our North Wales facility

These sessions allowed Stride to evaluate samples first hand and present tangible options to the end client, ensuring informed decision-making at every stage.

Once the final designs and full family of signs were agreed, IS Group produced full-size prototypes, including a complete aluminium hanging sign, alongside printed graphics and paint finishes for final approval.

Manufacture & Quality Control

All signage elements were manufactured in-house by IS Group, allowing complete control over quality, consistency and project timelines. This
approach ensured that every sign met the approved design specification while maintaining flexibility should adjustments be required during production.

The scope of manufacture included:

  • Aluminium hanging directional signs
  • External built-up lettering to centre entrances
  • Illuminated fabric lightboxes with interchangeable graphic skins
  • Lift area signage and floor directories
  • Car park and vehicular wayfinding signage
  • Digitally printed wall and window graphics
  • Engraved granite feature floor tiles

Removal of Existing Signage

Prior to installation, IS Group undertook a managed removal programme to safely decommission existing signage throughout the centre. All redundant signage was removed and taken to approved waste depots in line with our waste management policy. This ensured a clean, compliant transition ahead of the new brand launch.

Installation & Programme Management

The client required all signage to be installed ahead of the public rebrand launch on 7th November, and in time for the Christmas trading period. This deadline was further heightened by the anticipated arrival of a major new tenant, Harrods, making programme certainty essential.

IS Group deployed multiple highly qualified installation teams working day and night shifts to meet the programme.

Throughout the installation period we:

  • Provided regular progress updates and photographic reports
  • Ensured centre operations were maintained safely
  • Had management presence on site to support the centre team

The project was delivered on time, allowing Eastgate Square to unveil its new identity seamlessly to shoppers.

Enhancing the Customer Experience

Following the successful completion of the core signage works, IS Group were appointed to deliver further enhancements across the centre, working directly with the centre’s management and ownership team.

These additional works included:

  • Promotional vinyl graphics to retail unit windows
  • Floor graphics to support wayfinding and campaigns
  • Large-format art installations

Working alongside local designer Hannah Wehbeh, IS Group transformed previously blank or underused walls into vibrant visual spaces using large, illuminated fabric lightboxes with interchangeable skins,

Digital Media Integration

As part of the wider centre upgrade, IS Group were also commissioned to supply and install a large-format internal LED media wall, supporting on-site advertising and promotions.

The installation comprised:

  • A P2.5 LED screen measuring 3.25m x 4.75m
  • Integrated Android media player
  • User-friendly content management software

Installation was carried out over several nights to minimise disruption, with IS Group coordinating closely with the centre to ensure electrical requirements were in place. The screen was fully commissioned by our qualified installation team, with ongoing support provided following handover.

Outcome & Ongoing Relationship

The transformation of Eastgate Square has delivered a clear, cohesive and premium signage environment that supports navigation, strengthens brand identity and enhances the overall visitor experience.

The success of the project has led to an ongoing partnership, with IS Group continuing to support Eastgate Square on new signage, branding and digital media projects as the centre evolves.