Across the UK, street lighting lanterns can often remain structurally viable for
decades. Yet as Local Authorities transition to LED, existing lanterns are still
frequently replaced as part of upgrade programmes.

To help determine the most appropriate upgrade path, Acrospire is offering a lantern
appraisal service, allowing councils and contractors to submit existing lantern
samples for engineering assessment and retrofit suitability guidance. The service
supports the company’s wider promotion of retrofit as a practical, lower-disruption
alternative for modernising existing lighting assets without unnecessary replacement.
Built around the message “Upgrade your lighting, not your lanterns”, Acrospire’s
retrofit solutions upgrade the internal lighting components within existing housings,
allowing structurally sound assets to remain in service while benefiting from modern
LED performance.

Suitable for both functional and decorative lighting stock, the retrofit range includes
LED gear trays and full optic assemblies with replacement bowls, helping councils
improve energy efficiency, reduce material waste and extend asset life while
preserving the appearance of existing schemes.

In many applications, retrofit installations can completed in under 10 minutes per
lantern, helping minimise disruption, traffic management requirements and
programme delays. The solutions are also compatible with a wide range of
commonly installed lanterns, including heritage ranges.

The approach is already being deployed within the London Borough of Waltham
Forest, where approximately 500 locally loved lanterns are being upgraded through a
borough-wide retrofit programme designed to retain the character of existing lighting
while reducing energy consumption and maintenance requirements.
“In many cases, existing lanterns still have years of structural life remaining, making
retrofit a viable option for LED upgrades,” said Tim Barker, Managing Director at
Acrospire.

“However, every scheme is different. Some assets are well suited to retrofit, while
others may be better suited to full replacement depending on condition, performance
requirements and long-term maintenance considerations.

“That’s why we encourage Local Authorities and contractors to involve our engineers
early in the process. By assessing the existing lantern stock, we can help determine
the most practical and cost-effective approach for each project.”
Acrospire’s retrofit solutions are designed for Local Authorities seeking a faster,
lower-risk alternative to full lantern replacement as part of wider LED upgrade
programmes.

Have existing lantern stock you’re considering upgrading? Acrospire can assess
retrofit suitability and provide guidance on the most appropriate approach. Where
lantern bodies remain in good structural condition, retrofit can offer a lower-carbon,
lower-disruption route to LED upgrades. https://acrospire.co/get-in-touch/