Weymouth's new seafront lights to be switched on
LET there be light... Weymouth's long-awaited new seafront LED lighting scheme is officially being switched on this evening. Following a test period this week, the 28 computer-controlled LED strips are ready to go.
They have been installed along Weymouth promenade between the Pier Bandstand and the Pavilion.
Now the installation work is complete, Dorset Council said they will be 'gifting' them to Weymouth Town Council who will be responsible for maintaining the lights, as well as programming them with a series of lighting displays inspired by the local community.
The lights have been designed to 'amplif[y] the natural rhythms of Weymouth' and will turn on around 30 minutes before the rising and setting of the sun.
They will remain on until 11:30pm in the winter and 1am in the summer and will cycle through ten unique active scenes 'that celebrate the elements and activities of Weymouth, with gentle ambient scenes in-between,' Dorset Council said.
Jane Biscombe, Weymouth Town Council Clerk said: “The lights look fantastic in the tests and we’re very much looking forward to the lights becoming a key feature of our town. They’re a great, modern addition to the seafront and are truly unique to Weymouth.”
The scheme is the brainchild of lighting designers Tonkin Liu. Their idea was selected after 'extensive' consultation with the community.
Dorset Council say the project attracted highly skilled designers and lighting specialists who worked closely with the community, councillors and officers to design and install the new lighting scheme.
Peter Christie, Dorset Council project engineer, assets and property, said: “Following a comprehensive consultation period and development of twelve different lighting scenes designed by Tonkin Liu, Dorset Council and Town Council officers have been working [on the installation] with AC Special Projects and Intratest over the past eight weeks.
"Despite the recent weather challenges we’ve completed the project one week ahead of schedule – and on budget.”
Source: Dorset Echo