• Project:      Westminster Bridge Lighting Refurbishment
• Client:        Transport for London
• Involved: Westminster City Council, LB of Lambeth & English Heritage

Overview

The lighting stock on Westminster Bridge is over 140 years old and was originally installed for gas; with the introduction of electricity into street lighting the lanterns underwent conversions, with many efforts made to attempt to weatherproof the once very well ventilated luminaires.

Transport for London decided to completely refurbish the lighting stock to improve its’ performance, reliability and future preservation thereby enhancing the safety of bridge users and preserving items of historic value. Metcraft were entrusted and commissioned to undertake this task. Westminster City Council, The London Borough of Lambeth and English Heritage where engaged throughout the project; conditional Listed Building Consent was secured in 2006 and the work was undertaken by Metcraft throughout 2008.

The refurbishment exemplifies conservation best practice and aimed to minimise intervention into the original construction of the lanterns, preferring to do the least possible, whilst utilising traditional methods and materials.