TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL SERVICES
AREA LIGHTING IN LIBERATION SQUARE
Purpose of the report
To approve a scheme for replacement of the area lighting in Liberation Square.
Background
The lighting equipment in Liberation Square is 20 years old and has deteriorated to the point where complete replacement is necessary.
Discussion
The existing lighting comprises four columns, four metres high, each supporting two lanterns. The relatively low height of the lanterns and their present condition results in poor lighting of parts of the Square, particularly near to the entrances to Liberty Wharf. These entrances can attract large numbers of pedestrians in addition to those who gather in the Square during the day and in the evening. The poor lighting is considered to constitute a potential risk to pedestrians, particularly in the area around the water feature that surrounds the Liberation monument.
Night time inspection has confirmed that the north-west side of the Square (in front of Liberty Wharf) is particularly dark. Illumination of this area only comes from street lighting from The Esplanade to the north east and from La Route de la Liberation to the south west. Although the lighting on these roads has been improved, there are areas in the square which are considerably below the minimum desired brightness as recommended by BS5489-1:2013 “Code of practice for the design of road lighting Part 1: Lighting of roads and public amenity areas”. For a busy area like Liberation Square, this should be to class “P1” which would comply with the TTS Street Lighting Policy zone E4 “Areas of High District Brightness”, i.e. Urban Centres with high night-time usage. Lighting to a similar class has been successfully used at Cheapside, St.Helier.
A scheme has been designed that will provide lighting in accordance with BS5489, which will feature the replacement of the existing four lighting columns plus the addition of lighting in four new positions within the square. The height of the new lanterns will be raised from the existing four metres to five metres, in order to improve the spread of illumination between columns. The locations are shown on the attached plan and are positioned to avoid the main pedestrian routes and to avoid interference with stages and seating arrangements for the Liberation Day celebration.
The proposed type of lanterns, that will provide a crisp, white light (colour temperature 3500 K) are featured in the two attached images. The light source comprises a ring of light emitting diodes, which will light the Square from dusk to dawn and will be dimmed to 50% brightness from midnight to 6am to reduce energy costs. As an additional feature, the ring of white light will be immediately above a narrow ring of blue light. The colour of the columns is proposed to be black, which matches other street furniture nearby. The circular lanterns are considered to be appropriate to reflect the circular designs within the surface of the Square.
The complete lighting scheme will require 30% less energy than the existing lighting.
Costs
The cost to provide and install the lighting equipment will be £39,000, which will include the Department’s civil works charges to QZH301 street lighting business unit.
Recommendation
The Minister is recommended to approve the scheme to replace and improve the public lighting in Liberation Square.
Reason(s) for decision
To improve the public lighting in Liberation Square.
Action required
Officers to arrange for purchase of the lighting equipment. Installation work to be undertaken by the Department’s civil works section in the Spring of 2014.
Written by: | Traffic and Street Works Manager |
Approved by | Director of Engineering and Infrastructure |
Attachments: | Location Plan and Image of Lights |