Unique wind-powered lighting installation helps reinvent The People's Promenade

The challenge

Wyre Borough Council had an ambitious vision: entice visitors, attract investment and create jobs through the regeneration of Cleveleys promenade.

Originally built as a safety feature to prevent flooding from the sea and protect over 7,600 properties, the 64,500-square foot space was estimated to bring in 25,000 more visitors once rejuvenated.

The public space required a clever, highly bespoke project design which conserved its original purpose, while serving a new one.

Clients and partners

  • Client

    Wyre Borough Council

Key project requirements

  • A design that considered, aesthetics, functionality, durability, and that tied-in with the location’s heritage.

The solution

DW Windsor were commissioned with the task of creating durable and elegant lighting columns. Crafted from aluminium and weather resistant stone to match the street furniture and promenade, and designed to echo the shape of the iconic local Sea Swallow sculpture; an impressive 10 metre marker for the area, based upon local folklore and children’s story book The Sea Swallow.

Central to the installation was a tapered, aluminium column, clad in cast stone for approximately three quarters of the total length. At the aluminium end of the column IP65 rated spotlights provide adjustable area lighting with a choice of narrow or wide beam. LED effect lighting is also integrated into both sides of the outer cladding. Uniquely an anemometer was incorporated inside the top of the column, to enable the RGB LED array to be controlled by the wind velocity. The sensor reacts to the wind speed triggering a change in the LED colour.

The finished lighting columns accentuate the natural beauty of the seaside and create drama and excitement in the space after dusk.

The completed installation has since become a source of pride for the local community: the “People’s Promenade”, was a bespoke project, receiving over 20 accolades and awards for its design, low environmental impact and highly efficient project management.

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