Work to install Lincoln Cathedral’s new state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, external lighting system is set to begin next week. The Cathedral will remain open to visitors as usual while the changes take place.
The new LED system of more than 500 light sources is designed to highlight and enhance the Cathedral’s architecture, and will replace the floodlights which were installed in 1977, bringing massive energy savings of up to 80%.
Designed by Light Perceptions, the new lighting system will replace the current orange-tinted floodlights with softer, whiter lights, which will highlight the Cathedral’s intricate stonework and Gothic features. An exciting new feature will also give the option of having coloured light on the towers, allowing the Cathedral to recognise important local, national and international events.
In order for the new lighting system to be installed, Lincoln Cathedral’s existing floodlights will be disconnected at the start of the works and progressively removed. The works, which are expected to last for approximately nine months, will not affect the street lighting that currently surrounds the Cathedral.
Gtech Electrical will be installing the new system in partnership with main contractor William Birch, which is undertaking extensive restoration and renovation works to the Cathedral as part of Lincoln Cathedral Connected – a project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to improve the Cathedral’s setting and visitor experience.
The Revd Canon John Patrick, Subdean of Lincoln, said: “Lincoln Cathedral is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks, so we’re thrilled that its lighting system is going to be replaced with a modern, energy-saving LED system that will really do it justice.
“The Cathedral is not only Lincoln’s brightest shining beacon, but possibly the most visible building in the UK at night. Not being able to see our magnificent Cathedral lit up will be a temporary adjustment for all of us and a sobering reminder of what our city would be like without it.
“These works are all part of our efforts to restore and improve the Cathedral for all its visitors for years to come. Lincoln without the Cathedral wouldn’t be Lincoln, so we are incredibly grateful for the funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to make these essential restoration and exciting renovation works. We are also thankful for the support of Lincoln City Council, which has been heavily involved in keeping the present system up and running.
“Most importantly, we want to reassure everyone that despite the ongoing works, the Cathedral will remain open as usual.”
Jonathan Platt, Head of National Lottery Heritage Fund in the East Midlands, said: “The new LED lighting will bring out the best in Lincoln’s historic Cathedral whilst reducing energy consumption, a win-win situation made possible thanks to National Lottery players.”
