Client:
Bolton Council
Designer:
Arup
Project Team:
Bolton Council | Arup
IHeritage and Façade Lighting for Bolton Town Hall
Following a rigorous tender process, Studiotech was appointed to deliver the lighting and control system for the prestigious Bolton Town Centre regeneration project, which includes façade lighting to the Grade II Listed Town Hall and Hall and Le Mans Crescent restoration project. Working in close collaboration with Arup and Bolton Council, we provided a complete turnkey solution including the supply, installation, commissioning and programming of the new architectural façade lighting and public realm lighting for Victoria Square.
The project also included the restoration of the existing heritage lanterns within the iconic Le Mans Crescent arches, returning them to their original appearance while respecting the building’s historic character. Throughout the process, we worked closely with the heritage consultant appointed by Bolton Council, producing detailed technical drawings and supporting documentation to support the heritage statements and Listed Building Consent application process with Heritage England.
Engineering Design
Engineering Design
Supply
Fabrication
Installation
Control
Programming
Project Management
Engineering design
All fixing brackets and cable routes were carefully engineered to meet the unique requirements of the site and its historic façade. This included the design and fabrication of bespoke compression brackets to house the luminaires discreetly within the window reveals.
Developed specifically for this project, the brackets not only provided support for the luminaires but were also designed to complement the architectural aesthetic while making use of existing fixing points on the façade wherever possible, minimising detrimental impact on the historic structure. To maintain a clean and unobtrusive appearance, drivers for selected luminaires were relocated behind the fittings, concealing all associated cabling and connections from view.
To maintain a clean and unobtrusive appearance, drivers for selected luminaires were relocated behind the fittings, concealing all associated cabling and connections from view. The luminaires positioned between the pillars were mounted onto adjustable paving slab bases, allowing on-site positioning and aiming during commissioning, and to avoid drilling fixings into the stonework.
CONTROL SOLUTION
The lighting control system was delivered using Traxon e:cue Sympholight, providing control of the entire lighting scheme. Studiotech supplied, commissioned and programmed the system on site, ensuring reliable operation and consistent performance across the façade.
The system was programmed with a range of carefully considered lighting scenes designed to enhance the architectural features of Bolton Town Hall and Le Mans Crescent while maintaining sensitivity to the buildings’ historic character.
The incorporation of RGBW LED technology also introduced the flexibility to support local events, celebrations and awareness campaigns through dynamic colour-changing effects. However, the scheme has been designed so that the buildings will predominantly be illuminated in a warm white setting for everyday use, preserving the elegance and heritage of the architecture.
“Studiotech has been a great partner for this project, with a pro-active approach throughout. Their close attention to detail has been critical for this heritage project, and their commitment on site has enabled a smooth and successfully delivery of a scheme that we can all be proud of.”
Richard Morris, Associate, Arup
Experience
Bolton Council now has a lighting and control solution that illuminates the building and reinforces its presence as a destination for people approaching Bolton from all main routes. As part of the wider masterplan developed by Arup, this project represents an initial step in the regeneration of the town centre and the creation of a more active and engaging public realm.
