A colour changing lighting scheme for Southwark Street was unveiled at the beginning of August 2008 by Councillors Adele Morris and Paul Noblet. Funded through the Section 106 associated with the Bankside Mix development and Land Securities, the project is unnamed to allow for interpretation and has already been likened to “Smarties”, “Daleks” by one avid Dr Who fan and “Bubble wrap”.

 

A grid of LEDs are programmed via a small computer on a number of different cycles. The scheme also acts as an informal clock with the lights slowly changing from a shower of multicolour to a wall of solid colour on the hour and half hour. New programmes can be loaded on the computer, allowing the display to be altered over time.

 

The project was designed, delivered and installed by the London Borough Southwark and is part of Light at the End of the Tunnel - a wider initiative of refurbishments along the viaducts which cross Bankside. The lighting scheme improves this key ‘gateway’ into Bankside and forms a companion piece to the ‘Poured Lines’ artwork under the railway bridge closer to Blackfriars Road.

 

For further information on the scheme please contact Antonia Simpson, Principal Project Officer – Regeneration, London Borough of Southwark on 020 7525 5608.