Metz Way is a vital part of Gloucester’s transport infrastructure, linking residential areas like Abbeymead and Abbeydale to the city centre and playing a central role in the local economy. The route includes key junctions such as Eastern Avenue and provides access to major developments and commuter corridors, including bridges over railway lines.

As part of ongoing routine maintenance, five high masts were identified as nearing the end of their operational life and requiring replacement. Gloucestershire County Council carried out a desktop study to determine the best way forward, concluding that a combination of new high mast lighting and LED street lanterns would provide optimal coverage, particularly in areas where traditional columns were unsuitable due to Network Rail access constraints.

M Group Highways, the council’s maintenance contractor, successfully tendered for the works with a specification that included CU Phosco products. Having worked closely with M Group Highways for several years on mast maintenance across the county, CU Phosco was well placed to support this project through design, manufacture and installation.

The project scope included:

• Design, manufacture and installation of 4 x 20m high masts, each equipped with 6 P855 luminaires and 2 FL800D-2 floodlights
• Supply-only of 16 P862 LED lanterns for street lighting columns
• Removal and disposal of five existing high masts
• Bespoke foundation studs covers designed and installed to protect foundations of decommissioned masts for potential future use
• Pull-off testing of existing studs

With sections of Metz Way elevated above Network Rail infrastructure, careful planning was required to manage access and ensure safe working conditions. CU Phosco worked to tight deadlines to minimise disruption to local traffic and reduce the impact on ongoing development and transport routes in the area.

The lighting infrastructure upgrade has delivered a compliant and modern lighting solution that improves visibility and safety for all road users. The use of energy-efficient LED lanterns and future-ready high mast infrastructure reduces ongoing maintenance requirements and supports Gloucestershire County Council’s long-term strategy for resilient, sustainable public lighting.

The retention and protection of foundations for potential future reuse reflects a practical and resource-conscious approach to asset management. Meanwhile, the collaboration between CU Phosco and M Group Highways ensured a smooth delivery process from design through to installation.

Jack Benham, Project Manager at M Group Highways, commented: “Metz Way is a key artery into Gloucester, and this scheme needed to be delivered quickly and with minimal disruption. Working with CU Phosco, we were able to provide Gloucestershire County Council with a robust, energy-efficient lighting solution. Their high mast expertise and ability to deliver on challenging access requirements were instrumental to the success of this project.”

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The 13-digit UMSUG (or charge) codes are assigned to individual solutions, and enable the Unmetered Supplies Operator (UMSO) and Meter Administrator (MO) to accurately calculate the electricity usage for each unique luminaire.

The codes allow for accurate billing when unmetered supplies are being used, and the usage has to therefore be calculated by the network operators. The use of the codes enables the accurate calculation of energy consumption, which in turn reduces the risk of over or under payments for the amount of electricity used.

Using charge codes also supports improved operational efficiency. Not only does it save time and resources when compared to metered applications, it also allows for better auditing of equipment and forward planning with regard to energy consumption and maintenance.

LEDVANCE’s range of streetlighting solutions have the ability to save significant levels of energy – up to 60 percent – when used instead of conventional HID (High-Intensity Discharge) lamps. LEDVANCE offers within the UMSUG Program 17 different LED replacement products for HID conventional Lamps, like HQL (High-Intensity Quantum Dots) LED and NAV LED, in different sizes, light colours and wattages, with a light output up to 11 700 lumen.

Nelo Neves, Managing Director from LEDVANCE said: “By adopting UMSUG codes for a wide range of our streetlights, we are simplifying billing for many of our clients. There are many reasons to switch to LED streetlights for energy efficiency and improved lighting; and the addition of UMSUG codes makes the LEDVANCE solutions even more appealing.”

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With over 30 years of experience in the solar and street lighting sector, Pecan Lighting is a trusted name across Australia, known for delivering high-quality, low-maintenance lighting solutions for councils, developers, and commercial clients. Based in South Australia with national coverage, Pecan Lighting will represent CU Phosco’s entire product portfolio, supporting both new and existing customers with local technical knowledge and dedicated service.

The partnership will be led by Keith Henry, CU Phosco’s General Manager – Lighting and Telecommunication, Australia, working closely with the team at Pecan Lighting to provide comprehensive support for lighting projects across the country.

Keith Henry, General Manager – Lighting and Telecommunication, Australia, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Pecan Lighting as our official distributor in Australia. Their deep industry knowledge, commitment to quality, and reputation for customer service make them an ideal partner. This collaboration ensures that customers across Australia have easier access to CU Phosco’s industry-leading lighting and telecommunication solutions, backed by experienced local support.”

Paul Rodda, General Manager at Pecan Lighting, added: “Pecan Lighting has a long history of delivering advanced street and solar LED lighting solutions tailored to the Australian market. We’re excited to represent CU Phosco and bring their proven product range to our clients. Together, we can offer even more robust, reliable, and sustainable lighting infrastructure to projects nationwide.”

This distributor partnership highlights CU Phosco’s ongoing commitment to growing its international presence while ensuring customers benefit from local expertise and trusted relationships. With Pecan Lighting on board, CU Phosco is well-positioned to support a wide range of lighting and infrastructure projects in Australia, from urban streetscapes to remote highways, ports, and major developments.

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The Joe Calzaghe Footbridge — a vital pedestrian and cyclist link in Newbridge, South Wales — connects the town centre with its railway station, leisure centre and comprehensive school. Originally built in 2009 as part of a regeneration initiative, the bridge plays a key role in supporting sustainable travel and reconnecting parts of the community previously divided by the railway and river.

However, over a decade on, lighting issues had started to compromise the safety and usability of this well-used footbridge. The original illuminated handrail system was failing, and a new solution was urgently required.

Working with Caerphilly County Borough Council, Acrospire provided a targeted retrofit solution to address the bridge’s most problematic lighting sections. The project involved multiple site trials to ensure compatibility with the original design and meet the council’s safety and aesthetic requirements.

Acrospire supplied 40 3-Pod and 30 6-Pod linear LED modules in a 4,000K neutral white. These were engineered to fit precisely within the existing recessed sections of the bridge handrail, allowing seamless integration without structural alterations.

Thanks to their flexible beam orientation and glare control, the new units deliver enhanced visual clarity for users while minimising light spill onto adjacent habitats.

Importantly, only one-third of the bridge was retrofitted with new units, allowing the council to redeploy salvaged working fixtures to other failing sections — maximising efficiency and extending the life of the original system.

The result is a more reliable, more efficient, and safer lighting scheme that respects both the architectural integrity and ecological sensitivity of the site.

Gareth Fleming, Senior Engineer, Street Lighting, Caerphilly County Borough Council commented: “The retrofit lighting scheme delivered by Acrospire for the Joe Calzaghe Footbridge is an excellent example of quality engineering and collaborative working. The custom-built LED modules have been seamlessly integrated into the existing structure, preserving the visual appeal of the bridge while significantly improving safety and reliability. Acrospire’s commitment to delivering a tailored solution through detailed site trials and precise manufacturing has resulted in a high-standard installation that enhances both pedestrian safety and the bridge’s aesthetic appeal.”

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Set beside the scenic Ruislip Lido, Acrospire has delivered a sensitive, low-energy lighting upgrade for the Lido’s main car park. Working with the London Borough of Hillingdon, the project involved installing compact Sprint Micro luminaires with PIR sensors—ensuring the lights only activate when needed.

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Hampton Beach, a newly developed community in Peterborough by Barratt Redrow (including Barratt and David Wilson Homes), is designed to balance modern convenience with sustainability. Situated around the picturesque Teardrop Lake, the development provides residents with scenic views, expansive green spaces, and easy access to essential amenities. With Barratt Redrow’s strong commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040, sustainability was a key factor in shaping the infrastructure of Hampton Beach.

To support these environmental goals while ensuring safe, well-lit communal spaces, Acrospire, in partnership with GM Briton, was chosen to provide an energy-efficient street lighting solution. The project aimed to install low-carbon, off-grid lighting that would enhance visibility, improve safety, and align with the sustainable ambitions of the UK’s largest housebuilder.

Acrospire supplied and installed Defender solar luminaires, a best-in-class, all-in-one solar street lighting solution. Specifically designed for the UK market, Defender was selected for its superior performance, delivering up to 10,285 lumens and offering up to five nights of autonomy on a single charge. With a large-capacity battery and an expansive solar panel footprint, Defender ensures uninterrupted lighting, even during prolonged periods of low sunlight.

The solar lighting solution significantly reduces Hampton Beach’s carbon footprint while providing bright, evenly distributed illumination across footpaths and communal areas. By operating independently of the power grid, these luminaires help lower long-term energy costs, eliminate the need for trenching and cabling, and reduce ongoing maintenance requirements. The choice of solar lighting not only enhances safety and security for residents but also aligns with the broader sustainability strategy of Barratt Redrow, reinforcing their commitment to building eco-friendly communities.

James Brooker, Area Sales Manager at Acrospire, commented: “With today’s astronomical electricity costs, solar lighting solutions like the Defender make perfect sense for new build developments. By removing the need for trenching and wiring, they pay for themselves quickly — offering a long-term, environmentally friendly investment with no ongoing energy costs. The ability to deliver high-quality lighting without relying on the grid is a game-changer for housebuilders looking to meet their sustainability targets while keeping operational expenses low.”

A spokesperson at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “We are delighted to work with Acrospire to provide energy efficient street lighting at our Hampton Beach developments. Finding more sustainable ways of living is a priority for us as a leading housebuilder, and we are pleased to be making strides to becoming net zero.”

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Effective lighting is essential in the underpass to reduce the perception of crime and create a safer, more welcoming space for users. Poor visibility, dark spaces, and inadequate light distribution can contribute to unease in enclosed environments, making lighting a critical factor in user confidence. The previous system suffered from structural and water damage, poor coverage, and an outdated control system, which reduced its effectiveness and required an upgrade.

To resolve these issues, and those experienced across the county, DW Windsor worked with Surrey County Council, M Group Highways (formerly Milestone Infrastructure), and Urban Control to develop a lighting scheme that provides consistent illumination while balancing efficiency and user experience. Additionally, the replacement of the old subway fittings with LED luminaires provided greater energy savings than the old fluorescent lamps which were banned in the UK in February 2024.

DW Windsor supplied Kova luminaires fitted with integrated control nodes to illuminate the underpass. Engineered for durability in demanding environments, the vandal-resistant lights feature a robust stainless steel construction and impact-resistant polycarbonate glazing, ensuring exceptional resilience with an IK10+ rating. The luminaires were mounted along the length of the underpass at even spacings to eliminate dark spots and improve visibility for pedestrians and cyclists.

A key consideration was ensuring the lighting levels were optimised to provide a sense of security while maintaining efficiency. The team conducted extensive on-site testing at 100 percent, 50 percent, and 10 percent outputs to assess the most effective illumination for the subway environment. This approach ensured the lighting was precisely calibrated to user needs, delivering the ideal balance between safety, visibility, and energy efficiency.

As a result of these findings, the team implemented an adaptive dimming strategy to ensure lighting levels remained appropriate throughout the night. The lighting operates at 100 percent output during winter months from 4pm, ensuring full brightness when it is most needed. As foot traffic decreases, the output gradually dims to between 80 percent and 50 percent. After midnight, the lighting reduces further to 10 percent, minimising energy consumption while maintaining a safe and inviting environment.

In addition to energy efficiency, the scheme was designed to meet industry best practices for lighting performance and safety. The new system complies with BS 5489 lighting standards, delivering an average illumination of 350 lux during the day while allowing light levels to dim to 100 lux at night. This ensures a smooth transition from bright external areas into the subway, improving visual comfort for pedestrians and cyclists.

One challenge was ensuring reliable connectivity within the subway tunnels, which restricted signal transmission. DW Windsor worked with CMS provider Urban Control to integrate smart lighting controls, enabling seamless communication between the central management system (CMS) and the luminaire nodes. This allows remote monitoring and dynamic adjustment of lighting levels, improving long-term operational efficiency.

Graham Skinner, Business Unit Manager at Urban Control, said: “The collaboration between DW Windsor, M Group Highways, and Urban Control has transformed both the lighting and smart control capabilities of Sunbury Cross Subway. By successfully integrating Urban Control CMS technology with luminaires in a challenging subway environment, this project has set a benchmark, with other boroughs and councils now following this pioneering example.”

Gary Thorne, Senior Projects Manager at M Group Highways, said: “The Sunbury Cross Subway project is a fantastic example of how smart lighting technology can enhance both safety and efficiency in urban spaces. This project not only improves visibility and user confidence but also sets a precedent for how intelligent lighting can transform public infrastructure.”

Client: Surrey County Council.

Contractor: M Group Highways.

Lighting: DW Windsor.

Control: Urban Control.

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Ark Lighting, a pioneering lighting manufacturer and lead on the project, approached ECS to supply the DMX controls and commission the upgraded lighting scheme for the underpass, which serves as a busy travel route. The brief was to introduce vibrant, dynamic lighting to the previously dark underpass in order to spark curiosity and interest while ensuring a safe passage for the public.

To achieve this, Ark Lighting supplied its Canon Linear Surface range, which offers a versatile and high-performance solution for outdoor lighting. These luminaires ensure excellent light levels and high uniformity, creating consistency in striking lighting effects and dynamic colour mixing.

To creatively control the high-power luminaires from Ark Lighting, ECS integrated Pharos Expert, which offers dynamic DMX and DALI control in a single, reliable, set-and-forget controller. This system is ideal for architectural and artistic lighting schemes that incorporate colour and movement, simplifying the programming of complex installations. ECS also played a critical role in commissioning the lighting system, ensuring all final operational requirements were met during the supply, testing, and installation of the lighting fixtures.

The lighting has significantly improved visibility and enhanced the use of the outdoor space, particularly during the evenings and darker months, making the experience of travelling easier and more enjoyable. The colour-changing illumination is programmed to reflect the lighting on the Steve Prescott Bridge, celebrating national holidays and local events.

Lighting Manufacturer: Ark Lighting.
Supply and Commissioning of Lighting controls: ECS.
Lighting Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls.

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Town centre regeneration is essential for boosting local economies and fostering vibrant communities. In line with its ongoing county-wide improvement efforts, Durham County Council has delivered projects to transform the town centres of Spennymoor and Consett. The council’s vision is to create spaces that attract more shoppers, businesses, and community gatherings. Thorn Lighting’s solutions have been instrumental in achieving this vision, offering an engaging and adaptable lighting scheme that supports events throughout the year.

Creating a community hub with adaptive lighting

Lighting can dramatically change how a space is perceived, especially in town centres. Thorn Lighting’s, Thor lanterns, combined with gobo projectors mounted on bespoke columns, provide the perfect blend of aesthetic appeal and functionality, allowing for tailored lighting themes that change with the seasons and significant events. The adaptive lighting has helped to create welcoming hubs in Spennymoor Market Place and Consett Middle Street, where people can gather for local events like Christmas festivities and Remembrance Sunday commemorations. From snowflakes at Christmas to poppies for Remembrance Week, each projection fosters a sense of place and community identity.

A thoughtful and customised lighting solution

These LED smart urban lanterns offer comfortable lighting quality and compatibility with any existing management control systems via ZHAGA sockets. Mounted on bespoke columns with illuminated heads, the Thor lanterns seamlessly integrate into both Spennymoor and Consett’s streetscapes, creating an appealing ambience. Additionally, gobo projectors allow for customisable, event-specific lighting, showcasing symbols like the Coronation emblem when King Charles ascended to the throne

Paul Gleadow, Durham County Council’s Street lighting and operational support manager, said, “As part of our ongoing regeneration of County Durham’s towns and villages, we wanted to create spaces that were not only welcoming and functional but also felt unique to the community. This partnership has allowed us to commemorate key events in a way which engages with residents, creating a strong sense of pride and belonging. Seeing people enjoy these areas since we have made these enhancements has been incredibly rewarding.”

Overcoming project challenges

Implementing the schemes in Spennymoor and Consett required precision and care to ensure the lighting solution fitted both the aesthetic and functional needs of the spaces. In Spennymoor, aligning the gobo projections to cover the intended floor space required multiple site visits and careful adjustments to the positioning and angles of the columns. For Consett, illuminating specific building facades meant careful spacing and placement to achieve consistent coverage without overpowering the area.

Solutions to challenges

Through extensive on-site adjustments, the team was able to optimise the positioning of the columns and projectors, ensuring the lighting scenes landed exactly where intended. The final arrangement enables residents to fully enjoy the vibrant gobo scenes, which draw attention without distracting from the area’s natural beauty.

Benefits of the new lighting solution

Thorn’s lighting solution has quickly become a source of pride for residents. The adaptable gobo projections have helped transform the town centres into dynamic spaces that reflect seasonal changes and important community events, helping residents and visitors connect with these revitalised areas. The Thor lanterns also contribute to a welcoming, well-lit environment, enhancing safety and encouraging more foot traffic in these regenerated town centres.

The projects in Spennymoor and Consett demonstrate how lighting can help revitalise a community. Residents have responded enthusiastically, with many expressing appreciation for the attention to detail and the focus on creating a space that reflects the town’s character. As footfall increases, the council’s investment in a sustainable, community-focused lighting solution is expected to benefit local businesses and foster an enduring sense of pride.

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This first-of-its-kind partnership will launch in Oxford, creating a shared network for mobile operators that leverage existing light points to seamlessly expand wireless coverage and capacity, enabling instant connectivity in dense urban areas.

Using street lighting, Signify’s BrightSites solution provides connectivity for 4G and 5G, IoT applications such as CCTV cameras, Internet services via Wi-Fi, and other high bandwidth applications, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure and resetting the economic model on how mobile operators deliver service.

Dense Air’s multi-operator cellShare® platform enables Cornerstone to provide neutral host services to UK mobile network operators, adhering to Joint Operator Technical Specifications (JOTS). The technology optimizes network capacity by leveraging small cell technology specifically designed for public spaces.

Khalid Aziz, SVP and Managing Director of BrightSites by Signify: “By harnessing the power of 5G and IoT through our lighting technology, we not only illuminate streets but also pave the way for a more connected and sustainable future. In partnership with Cornerstone and Dense Air, Signify will enable our partners to tap into existing lighting infrastructure as a wireless network, bringing a new era of smart city solutions.”

Martin Reeves, Chief Executive of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “These new small cells offer an excellent connectivity solution, and it’s exciting to see a sustainable option that works in both urban and rural areas. Enhanced digital infrastructure supports the council’s strategic objectives by providing environmental, economic, and social benefits. Small cells, being only the size of a shoebox, minimise street clutter and seamlessly integrate into our surroundings.”

Miranda van Gestel, Chief Customer Officer at Cornerstone: “At Cornerstone, we are leading the way in transforming the UK’s digital landscape with innovative solutions such as our Small Cell Coverage Solution. By integrating state-of-the-art technology into existing infrastructure, we’re not only addressing the growing demand for seamless connectivity but also empowering local authorities, MNOs, and communities to thrive in the digital age. Our approach ensures faster, more sustainable deployments that enhance everyday life, drive economic growth, and set the standard for smart city innovation.”

Jim Estes, CEO at Dense Air, added: “We are delighted to be supporting this partnership, enabling Cornerstone and Signify to utilize their infrastructure to transform connectivity in cities across the UK. Our cellShare® platform as-a-service enables the secure and scaled rollout of small cells, supporting the growing demand for operators’ services through a completely new economic model. This paves the way for a more efficient delivery of enhanced mobile services in the future.”

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