Brayford Wharf North, Lincolnshire

Background

Brayford Wharf North sits within Lincoln’s Brayford Waterfront, one of England’s oldest inland harbours and a well-established destination for leisure, hospitality and public activity. With restaurants, hotels and pedestrian routes along the water’s edge, the area remains active well into the evening, placing greater emphasis on lighting that supports safety, comfort and visual quality after dark.

The existing amenity lighting, previously ceramic metal halide, was identified for replacement to better support how the space is used after dark, while aligning with wider improvements across the county’s street lighting infrastructure.

Solution

TRT supplied 20 Luz 4 LED post top luminaires to deliver a contemporary amenity lighting solution that balances performance with aesthetics. The luminaires were specified in 41W, 3000K warm white light to complement the surrounding waterfront architecture, creating an inviting hospitality setting.

To support energy efficiency objectives, the luminaires were configured with part-night dimming profiles, ensuring appropriate lighting levels during periods of activity while reducing energy use during quieter hours.

The Luz range was selected for its ability to provide controlled light distribution with reduced spill light, helping to illuminate pedestrian areas and making visitors feel safe, without disturbing waterside habitats. The bowl is manufactured from UV-stabilised polycarbonate and achieves an IK10 impact rating for durability in public environments.

Additional design features supported both performance and maintainability:

• Breather plug: built-in ventilation helps prevent moisture intrusion and prolongs component life
• Tool-less access: enables faster maintenance, minimising disruption to pedestrians in a busy public setting
• Integral PowerSet: allows on-site physical power selection within the luminaire, removing the need for external programming devices
and simplifying both commissioning and future adjustments

Delivered through Balfour Beatty Living Places as principal contractor, the installation formed part of Lincolnshire County Council’s wider LED conversion programme.

Outcome

The upgraded lighting at Brayford Wharf North enhances the character of a prominent public space within Lincoln city centre while supporting the council’s long-term LED strategy. The new installation delivers:

• Improved visual quality and uniform light distribution across pedestrian routes
• Reduced energy use and maintenance requirements through LED technology and part-night dimming
• A lighting aesthetic that complements the waterfront setting and surrounding hospitality venues
• Reduced glare and spill light, supporting waterside habitats
• Durability and resilience through IK10-rated UV-stabilised bowls
• Greater operational flexibility via on-site PowerSet adjustment
• Faster upkeep with tool-less access, reducing disruption in a busy area

The Brayford Wharf North scheme forms part of our wider programme to convert the county’s lighting stock to LED, improving  efficiency while reducing ongoing maintenance and energy costs.

At the waterfront, it was also important that the new lighting suited the character of the area and delivered good quality illumination with controlled light distribution. The TRT solution met these requirements, supporting both our technical objectives and the visual setting of this prominent public space.

Nathan Poundall IEng MILP BEng Principal Engineer – Street Lighting – Lincolnshire County Council