Tower Bridge set for Lighting Makeover
Published: 9 May 2011
The Mayor of London has announced a deal between the City of
London Corporation, City Hall, EDF and GE to install a
state-of-the-art energy-efficient lighting system on Tower Bridge.
As well as helping to cut carbon and reduce energy costs, the
project will enhance this global icon's architectural features at
night.
Tower Bridge is one of the world's most instantly recognisable
landmarks and has recently undergone major re-painting. A funding
deal has now been brokered by the Mayor Boris Johnson, between the
bridge owners, City of London Corporation, London 2012
Sustainability partners EDF and GE to upgrade the famous
structure's 25-year old lighting system.
If given planning permission, this will deliver LEDs and
flexible lighting and a new cabling system to complement the
bridge's features - such as its gothic turrets, central aerial
walkway and suspension chains - in colours sensitive to its listed
building status. The lighting system will be flexible, allowing for
both varying colours and intensity of light, enabling Tower Bridge
to respond to special events in a unique and spectacular
manner.
Currently Tower Bridge has traditional, static flood-lighting
which can flatten the architecture. The use of energy efficient LED
technology will reduce the energy consumption of the existing
lighting system by an estimated 40 per cent on today’s usage.
The project must now obtain the necessary planning permissions
but if successful, work could start by September and be completed
by spring 2012, in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Commercial agreements have now been signed between all relevant
parties and a detailed planning application is being drawn-up.
Stuart Fraser, chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee of
the City of London, said: 'The founders of the ancient Bridge House
Estates charity that pays for the five City bridges would be amazed
to see how the world has changed since 1097. But I am sure they
would want London to be as smart as possible for next year and this
partnership achieves that at no cost to taxpayers, a fact that will
surely double everyone’s pleasure at Tower Bridge’s elegant new
look.’
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, added: 'I want London to
look its very best in 2012 as the eyes of the world are upon us.
Tower Bridge is one of this city’s most stunning landmarks,
recognised the world over and therefore deserving of a star role in
these year-long celebrations. I am thrilled to have brokered this
deal – at no cost to the taxpayer - to bathe Tower Bridge in
eco-friendly light to create a fresh perspective of this wonderful
icon. This is another great legacy for London stretching for
decades beyond the Olympic year.’
In the first step of this exciting project, global lighting
experts Citelum has been appointed to design and subject to
planning approvals, begin installation works. Citelum has a
worldwide reputation for ambitious lighting projects on historic
buildings including the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, Petronas
Tower in Kuala Lumpur and the Eiffel Tower.
EDF Energy, the UK subsidiary of EDF and a leading electricity
supplier in London, will also become the lighting electricity
supplier for Tower Bridge and will match every unit of electricity
that it supplies to Tower Bridge with power generated from low
carbon sources.
Vincent de Rivaz, Chief Executive at EDF Energy, the UK
subsidiary of EDF Group, said: ‘Following our partnership with the
London Eye, EDF is delighted to be involved in this exciting
project to help reduce the carbon footprint of another iconic
London landmark ahead of the Games. As the first sustainability
partner of London 2012, EDF is making real its low carbon vision
for the capital. We hope that the new energy efficient lighting
will make Tower Bridge a shining symbol of sustainability,
encouraging visitors and residents to think about how they can live
a lower carbon lifestyle.’
Mark Elborne, President and CEO of GE in the UK, said: ‘The
spotlight is going to be firmly on London in 2012, so it is the
perfect time to be able to highlight one of London’s most iconic
global landmarks. We are very proud that our LEDs and equipment
will be used to enhance Tower Bridge, helping to create a
sustainable and flexible legacy.’