Situated on the edge of the Solent, Gosport Harbour has long been defined by its rich maritime history. To mark the millennium, a distinctive family of bespoke lanterns was commissioned, bringing both character and light to the quayside. Now, 25 years on, this coastal landmark’s lighting story continues with more than 100 replacement lanterns that preserve the design of the original scheme while delivering improved efficiency and control.
DW Windsor was approached to deliver a lighting upgrade, providing a like-for-like design that combines heritage detail with contemporary performance. From the outset, the project was shaped by a deep respect for the site’s identity and setting. The original lanterns featured a bespoke design, taking inspiration from nautical elements and echoing the form of a ship’s masthead. Today, that same spirit lives on, with replica lanterns engineered to retain their distinctive form while offering all the benefits of LED technology.
One of the biggest challenges lay in translating a design conceived for lamped technology as a high-performance LED solution. The original version relied on two separate light sources: a SON lamp for functional white light and a metal halide lamp for decorative blue illumination. The new version mirrors this approach with two dedicated LED sources — a precise white light directed to the ground through modern optics, and a soft blue core that creates the signature glow defining the lantern’s character. The result is a luminaire that enhances the harbour’s distinctive night-time identity.
Designed to withstand the harsh coastal environment, the lanterns combine durability with long service life. Marine-grade paint finishes, high-grade stainless steel, and robust gasketed seals protect against salt corrosion and weather extremes. Every component was built for resilience, and the luminaires were rigorously tested to meet appropriate Ingress Protection (IP) ratings in DW Windsor’s in-house laboratory. The replacement lanterns were also designed to be installed onto the original bespoke columns and brackets, ensuring visual continuity and minimising disruption to the historic setting.
The project required a truly bespoke manufacturing process, combining cast components with CNC machined parts and other elements formed from specialist plastics. The complexity reflects the unique nature of the lantern design and the heritage requirements of the site. Size and weight also presented challenges, requiring the addition of lifting points and enhanced coupler fixings for safe handling and installation.
DW Windsor worked in close partnership with contractor Enerveo, delivering the project under a Private Finance Initiative (PFI) agreement with the local authority. Throughout the project, the focus remained on preserving the integrity of the original design while updating the scheme with reliable, modern lighting technology that will serve the harbour for years to come.
Martyn Dancer, Interim Regional Director (PFI’s South) at Enerveo, commented, “This project demonstrates what can be achieved when collaboration, craftsmanship and respect for heritage come together. Working alongside DW Windsor, we’re proud to have played our part in delivering a lighting solution that honours Gosport Harbour’s history while providing a resilient, sustainable future for this iconic waterfront.”
“This project required balancing heritage and performance in a challenging environment,” added Alex Winship, Specials Product Design Manager at DW Windsor. “From how a lantern looks during the day to how it performs at night, and how it stands up to the elements over time, every detail matters. The key is flexibility: listening to the client’s needs, understanding the character of the place, and adapting our designs to suit.”
Clients and partners
Client – Hampshire County Council
Contractor – Enerveo
Lighting supplier – DW Windsor
Images – Courtesy of DW Windsor
