Durham Council commissioned a comprehensive wayfinding scheme for Chester-le-Street, a historic market town in County Durham, with the aim of enhancing pedestrian navigation and reinforcing local identity.

The objectives were to support tourism, improve accessibility for all visitors, and create a signage system that authentically reflected the character and heritage of the town.

Following a competitive tender process, IS Group was appointed in partnership with Placemarque to deliver the project using the proven WAY2GO signage system.

The two companies brought a long-standing collaborative relationship to the project, ensuring a shared understanding of both the product range and the council's vision from the outset.

Work done

IS Group delivered a full turnkey solution encompassing every stage of the project, from initial survey through to final installation. The scheme comprised:

  • 6 bespoke totems / monoliths

  • 16 fingerposts

The full scope of services provided included:

  • Site audits and reporting

  • CAT scanning and mapping

  • Stakeholder consultations

  • Final design development and manufacture drawings

  • In-house fabrication and installation by qualified personnel

Durham Council required a supplier capable of managing every stage from concept to completion, with minimal disruption to the town and full compliance with relevant standards. IS Group's experience and in-house capacity made it well placed to meet these requirements.

Design Collaboration

Working closely with Placemarque, IS Group developed a colour scheme drawn from Chester-le-Street's architectural surroundings. The palette was carefully considered to complement the town's heritage while delivering clear, modern wayfinding that would be immediately legible to pedestrians.

Totems and Monoliths

The totems featured PrimaDura graphical panels, chosen for their long-term durability and high-quality finish. These were mounted on powder-coated dark red aluminium bases, with metallic gold side capping and top caps.

Fingerposts

The fingerposts were finished in the same dark red powder coating, creating visual consistency across the scheme. Directional fingers were white powder-coated with applied vinyl text and wayfinding symbols, ensuring high legibility and a clean, consistent appearance throughout the town centre.

The overall design approach ensured that the signage fulfilled its functional purpose as a wayfinding tool while also contributing positively to the visual quality of the public realm.

Manufacturing & Quality Control

All signage components were manufactured entirely in-house at IS Group's production facilities. End-to-end control over the manufacturing process ensured consistent quality and finish. The in-house production process covered:

  • Structural fabrication

  • Powder coating and surface finishing

  • Graphic panel production

  • Vinyl text and symbol application

Installation

Installation was carried out by IS Group's accredited field crews. All personnel on site held the relevant qualifications, including Streetworks, SMSTS (Site Management Safety Training Scheme), and SSSTS (Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme) certifications. Safety and precision were prioritised throughout the installation programme.

Outcome

Through the WAY2GO system and a well-established partnership with Placemarque, the project provided Durham Council with a durable, attractive and user-friendly wayfinding network that enhances the town's public realm and supports its long-term identity.

The Chester-le-Street Wayfinding Scheme demonstrates IS Group's capability to deliver high-quality, design-led signage solutions that serve both functional and placemaking goals.