Liverpool City Council's Cabinet is set to approve a £1.5 million funding package to significantly upgrade street lighting around Everton Football Club's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock. The investment aims to improve safety and enhance the experience for fans and local residents following concerns about inadequate lighting in the area.
Key Takeaways
- Liverpool City Council is expected to approve £1.5 million for street lighting improvements.
- The project targets the area around Everton's new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock.
- Concerns about poor lighting were raised by residents and stakeholders after recent events.
- The plan includes upgrading 600 lanterns to modern LEDs and replacing 164 lighting columns.
- New lights will be dimmable, allowing for brighter levels during events and standard levels at other times.
Addressing Safety Concerns from Recent Events
The proposal for the extensive lighting project comes after direct feedback from the community. During test events and the initial competitive matches at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium, both local residents and official stakeholders highlighted serious safety concerns due to poor street lighting.
The existing lighting infrastructure was deemed insufficient for the large crowds attending events. Key pedestrian routes from Liverpool's City Centre, nearby transport hubs like Sandhills station, and surrounding neighbourhoods were identified as particularly dark, posing potential risks to public safety.
Historical Context
The original street lighting network around Bramley Moore Dock was designed and installed over a decade ago. At that time, the area was classified for low traffic with minimal pedestrian activity, and the new stadium project had not yet been conceived. The lighting specification was therefore adequate for its original purpose but is no longer suitable for a major event venue.
Details of the £1.5 Million Upgrade Plan
If approved by the Cabinet, the £1.5 million investment will fund a comprehensive overhaul of the area's lighting system. The project is designed to be a modern, efficient, and long-term solution to the issues raised.
The works will be carried out in phases to minimize disruption and will focus on the most critical routes first. Priority will be given to improving pedestrian links that connect the stadium with key locations across the city.
Scope of the Project
The plan outlines specific technical upgrades to create a safer and more welcoming environment. The key components of the project include:
- Lantern Upgrades: Approximately 600 existing street lanterns will be replaced with modern, energy-efficient LED units.
- Column Replacements: 164 aging lighting columns will be removed and replaced with new ones.
- Priority Routes: The initial phase will target routes between the stadium and Sandhills station, the City Centre, and Everton Park.
Project by the Numbers
- Total Funding: £1.5 million
- LED Lanterns: ~600 units
- Lighting Columns: 164 to be replaced
- Technology: Dimmable LEDs with central management
Smart Technology for a Dynamic Environment
A significant feature of the proposed upgrade is the implementation of advanced technology. The new LED lights will be connected to a central management system, allowing for dynamic control of brightness levels.
This system will enable the council to increase lighting levels specifically during stadium events, ensuring maximum visibility and safety for the thousands of people in the area. When there are no events, the lights can be dimmed to appropriate standard levels, saving energy and reducing light pollution.
Council's Perspective on the Investment
Councillor Dan Barrington, the Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, commented on the necessity and timing of the project. He acknowledged the community's feedback and explained the rationale behind the investment.
"Everton’s new stadium brings vibrancy and economic opportunity to Liverpool’s waterfront, but when the original lighting around Bramley Moore Dock was designed and installed over a decade ago, the stadium project hadn’t yet been created. Now, thanks to advances in LED technology and our new central management system, we can deliver a targeted, long-term solution. By fast-tracking these upgrades we’ll ensure streets are well-lit, providing a safer environment for everyone who lives, works and visits this part of the city."
Councillor Barrington also noted that previous budget cycles and contract schedules meant that capital investment was first directed to areas with the highest immediate safety risks. However, the feedback from recent stadium events has now clearly mapped the lighting requirements for this specific area.
The approval of this funding is seen as a crucial step in supporting the successful integration of the new stadium into the city's waterfront, ensuring it benefits fans, residents, and local businesses alike.