Category: industry updates

At the home ground of Stoke City FC, the bet365 Stadium, a major lighting and controls upgrade has delivered a dramatic enhancement to both matchday presentation and operational efficiency. The project demonstrates how intelligent lighting control can elevate fan engagement while meeting the demanding technical standards of elite football.

Commissioned and installed by Elite Contract Services Ltd (ECS), with lighting design and manufacture by Midstream Lighting, the new solution replaces a previous floodlighting system with a fully integrated LED installation controlled by Pharos Architectural Controls. The brief was clear: achieve Premier League-standard illumination, reduce energy consumption, and introduce flexible RGBW lighting capable of transforming the stadium environment before, during and after matches.

At the heart of the system is a Pharos Designer control solution comprising a two-universe Designer LPC controller, a Designer RIO A remote device, and three BPS keypad wall stations. Together, these provide a powerful yet intuitive platform for managing complex lighting scenes across the stadium, from broadcast-critical pitch lighting to immersive architectural effects.

The LPC delivers the processing power and reliability required for large-scale venues, running multiple timelines and scenes simultaneously. This allows Stoke City FC to programme dynamic sequences for player walk-ons, pre-match build-up and post-match moments, while maintaining consistent, regulation-compliant lighting levels for live sport.

The BPS keypads have been strategically installed in the Match Control room, Media Suite and Groundsman’s Shed, giving staff simple, tactile access to pre-set scenes and manual overrides when needed. With clear button labelling and LED feedback, the BPS stations ensure confident operation even during high-pressure matchday scenarios.

Beyond performance, sustainability was a key driver for the project. The upgraded system now delivers 1650 lux across the pitch while achieving a reported 51% reduction in energy consumption, supporting the club’s long-term operational and environmental goals. RGBW under-bowl lighting, advertising boards and pitch-side screens further extend the visual impact, creating a cohesive and immersive experience for supporters inside and outside the stadium.

Adam Hardy, Director at Elite Contract Services (ECS), shared: “Working with Pharos was a key factor in the success of this project. Their technology gave us the flexibility and reliability we needed to deliver a complex stadium-wide lighting control system with confidence. The support from the Pharos team throughout design, commissioning and handover was excellent, making them a longstanding trusted partner at ECS – achieving a solution that truly enhances the matchday experience at the bet365 Stadium.”

From a Pharos perspective, the project highlights the flexibility and robustness of its technology in demanding sporting environments.

Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for the UK, Ireland, N. Europe and Benelux at Pharos Architectural Controls, added: “Stadiums demand absolute reliability alongside creative freedom. At the bet365 Stadium, our Designer products are enabling Stoke City FC to deliver broadcast-ready illumination and memorable fan moments, all from a system that is intuitive to operate and built to run day in, day out for many football seasons to come.”

The result is a future-ready lighting control system that enhances the spectacle of football, improves efficiency behind the scenes, and reinforces the bet365 Stadium as a modern venue capable of delivering unforgettable matchday experiences.

Project Credits:

Client: Stoke City FC

Controls: Pharos Architectural Controls

Commissioning & Installation of Lighting, Projector, Data Infrastructure & Controls: Elite Contract Services (ECS)

Floodlighting Manufacture, Installation & Design: Midstream Lighting

Photography: Elite Control Services (ECS)

Designed to speed up installation and simplify retrofit upgrades, Ansell Lighting has enhanced its popular Tornado EVO linear range with XPRESS capability; a fast, clip-in system that enables emergency and microwave sensor functionality to be added quickly and easily to standard products.

Set to be rolled out across more product lines in the coming months, the new Tornado EVO XPRESS luminaires feature clearly labelled gear trays with dedicated press and clip connection points, allowing XPRESS Emergency Pack and XPRESS Microwave Sensors to be installed in seconds.

Developed to give installers more flexibility and to speed up project upgrades, XPRESS removes the need for tools – the packs are simply pushed into place and the wires connected.

Hugely beneficial for wholesalers too, Ansell’s new XPRESS system enables them to reduce the number of SKUs they need to hold without limiting customer choice. By stocking the standard Tornado EVO XPRESS products alongside the separate clip-in packs, customers still have the freedom to add emergency or sensor functionality as and when needed.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: ” XPRESS has been designed to make life easier for everyone in the supply chain. Installers benefit from faster installation and simpler upgrades whilst wholesalers can reduce stock commitments without limiting customer choice.

“Tornado Evo is one of our most popular and widely specified products which made it the ideal choice for introducing this new system. We are sure that customers will love the many benefits and added flexibility the new XPRESS versions offer.”

Recolight is delighted to announce the appointment of Flavie Lowres as Environmental Metrics
Manager. Flavie will play a pivotal role in supporting the lighting industry in the adoption of
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Flavie joins Recolight with a distinguished track record in Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), EPDs, and
the circular economy of construction products and buildings.
Flavie is a fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) and chairs their
Construction Materials Group Board, andBoard and is also Sustainability Champion at the Finishes
and Interiors Sector (FIS).

Commenting on her new position Flavie said “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Recolight through my role at FIS, jointly delivering various sustainability initiatives and training on EPDs. I am looking forward to continuing this important work.”

Welcoming Flavie to the team, Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO commented, “Flavie’s detailed
knowledge of LCAs and EPDs, and her passion for sustainability mean she is ideally placed to deliver
our one-off EPD service, and other sustainability services, to the lighting and wider construction
industry. I am delighted that she has joined the team.”

Lighting control specialists Pharos Architectural Controls will showcase the latest developments in their product ranges at LEDucation 2026, taking place in New York City.

Presented by the Designers Lighting Forum of New York, the annual trade show and conference provides a platform for lighting professionals to explore the latest innovations in the industry through accredited seminars, peer-led sessions and the new Designer Hours initiative.

With the Pharos Designer platform continuing to evolve, attendees will discover the latest enhancements to this highly integrated and scalable solution for complex lighting environments. The Pharos team will demonstrate developments within the Designer software, including the latest release, version 2.16, which introduces support for the new Pharos RIO 84, offering 8 inputs, 4 outputs and a multi-protocol serial port. The update will also enable native in-app integration with Advatek PixLite Mk3 controllers, fixture status monitoring for RDM-capable installations via Pharos Cloud, trigger rate limiting, and timeline improvements for audio rows.

Attendees will also learn about the latest updates to Pharos Expert, the lighting control solution designed to simplify installation and programming. Demonstrations will highlight improved user functionality that delivers greater control flexibility, including grouping capabilities that allow fixtures to be organised logically within mixed environments for targeted control via the Touch mobile app or touchscreen wall stations. Support for the Pharos RIO D4 enables systems to integrate multiple independent DALI interfaces allowing installations to support extensive luminaire counts alongside DMX output without compromising capacity.

Michael Gross (MG), Regional Sales Manager for the Americas at Pharos, said: “We always look forward to exhibiting at LEDucation. The event provides an important opportunity to connect with industry peers, and we’re excited to present the latest advances in our solutions. Pharos continues to evolve, demonstrating our commitment to the future of lighting control, and our desire to give lighting professionals the flexibility they need to realise ever more ambitious projects.”

LEDucation 2026 will take place at the New York Hilton Midtown from 14–15 April, featuring more than 400 exhibitors across four expansive trade show halls. Virtual conference sessions begin on 9 April, ahead of the in-person exhibition and the inaugural Designer Hours on 14 April.

OurCoop’s new-build store at 37 High Street, Desford, was developed to provide a central shopping location for the village while reflecting the organisation’s ethical and community-focused values. As a member-owned co-operative, OurCoop places strong emphasis on sustainability, local engagement and creating welcoming spaces for customers.

From the outset, the ambition was to ensure the store stood out visually from typical convenience retail formats. Lighting was identified as a key element in shaping that task.

To explore how lighting could elevate the store experience, TRILUX hosted representatives from OurCoop and installation partner Carter Synergy at its retail lighting facilities in Germany. The visit demonstrated TRILUX’s retail expertise and introduced the ConVision concept, which would go on to define the lighting strategy at Desford.

Retail Innovation with ConVision and BLE

The Desford store is the first UK OurCoop location to install Light Panel luminaires featuring ConVision optics across the full sales floor.
ConVision optics optimise both vertical and horizontal illumination simultaneously, ensuring products are clearly visible at shelf level while maintaining high visual comfort throughout the store. This balanced distribution enhances product presentation while reducing glare, creating a brighter and more engaging retail environment.

The lighting system is fully enabled with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity, allowing flexible scene setting and zoning across the 276sqm sales area. This wireless approach enables lighting adjustments to be made quickly and efficiently, supporting seasonal layouts, promotional displays and future store developments without complex rewiring.

Together, ConVision optics and full BLE connectivity provide a forward-thinking lighting solution that supports both customer experience and operational flexibility.

Layered Lighting for Visual Impact

In addition to the Light Panel luminaires, Yuvio track luminaires introduce focused accent lighting to key product zones, enhancing contrast and guiding customer attention across the sales floor.
Feature elements including linear fittings and accent luminaires (Varisto and Altigo) add depth and definition to selected areas within the store, reinforcing its modern identity. This layered approach ensures the lighting scheme delivers both functional clarity and visual impact, helping OurCoop create a retail environment that feels contemporary and distinctive.

Back-of-house areas are supported by efficient, durable luminaires (LED batten, Opendo, Amatris and Siella) while TRILUX also supplied the store’s emergency lighting system, ensuring compliance, visual consistency and integrated performance throughout the building.

Energy Efficiency by Design

As a new-build development, the Desford store was designed with long-term efficiency in mind. High-performance luminaires combined with intelligent wireless control help optimise energy use while maintaining consistent lighting quality throughout trading hours.
By integrating advanced optics with energy-efficient technology from the outset, the lighting scheme supports OurCoop’s broader sustainability commitments while delivering a premium retail experience.

Collaboration and Delivery

The project was delivered in partnership with Carter Synergy, working closely with OurCoop and TRILUX to ensure the lighting design aligned with brand objectives and installation requirements.
Chris Page, Property Construction Manager, OurCoop, commented:

“We wanted the Desford store to feel modern and distinctive while staying true to our community values. One of the big challenges on this site was managing the transition between the area of sales floor which was vaulted and the area that was flat roof. Managing the transition between the areas was key to the overall store aesthetics. The lighting plays a central role in creating that experience, and the ConVision solution gives us both visual impact and flexibility for the future.”
Simon McKee, ME&R Account Manager, Carter Synergy, added:
“The full BLE connectivity allowed us to fine-tune the lighting quickly and efficiently on site. It’s an innovative solution that delivers both performance and adaptability.”

A Future-Focused Retail Environment

The completed Desford store demonstrates how innovative lighting can elevate neighbourhood retail. As the first UK OurCoop location to feature ConVision with full BLE connectivity, the project positions OurCoop at the forefront of community retail innovation, delivering enhanced product presentation, adaptability and energy-efficient performance in a single, cohesive lighting strategy.

Products Used
• Light Panel
• Yuvio
• Varisto
• Altigo G2
• Siella G8
• Opendo
• Amatris G4
• LED battens
• Emergency lighting

Project Team
Client end user: OurCoop
Contractor: Carter Synergy
Lighting: TRILUX

Dialight (LSE: DIA), the global leader in industrial LED lighting innovation, has announced the launch of its new DuroSite® High Output LED Floodlight, a robust and efficient floodlighting solution designed to meet the demanding needs of large-scale industrial applications across the APAC and EMEA regions.
The DuroSite® High Output LED Floodlight provides high output area illumination, supporting customers in ports, rail yards, laydown yards, onshore supply bases, stockpiles, security perimeters, and processing infrastructure. The fixture is also well suited for select municipal and sports applications.

With an estimated 50% of targeted industries still relying on traditional High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting, the new DuroSite® High Output LED Floodlight offers a compelling upgrade path. HID systems are known for short lamp life, high maintenance costs, and susceptibility to vibration-related failures. The new fixture delivers significant energy and maintenance savings for retrofit applications, offering a favourable total cost of ownership compared to legacy industrial HID systems.
“The DuroSite® High Output LED Floodlight strengthens our commitment to delivering lighting solutions that industrial operators can depend on,” said Malcolm Lee, Managing Director, Asia Pacific. “By combining robust engineering with high-efficiency performance, we’re giving customers a more reliable alternative to legacy HID systems, helping reduce maintenance requirements and improve operational safety in demanding industrial environments.”
The new floodlight underwent extensive testing, including optical, IP/IK, salt spray, ALT, UV, and vibration testing. Key features include:

A360 aluminium alloy housing
Premium powder coat
316S Stainless steel bracket and hardware
Vibration tested to ANSI C136.31
Symmetric and asymmetric optics
Secondary retention hardware for added safety
50°C ambient temperature rating
Integrated driver with optional remote mounting up to 100m

The new DuroSite® High Output LED Floodlight is available in FA Series (1-module) and FB Series (2-module) configurations, with multiple CCT options (2200K–5000K). The product carries CE, ENEC and RCM certifications, ensuring compliance across APAC and EMEA markets.

This launch reinforces Dialight’s commitment to delivering high-performance, long-lasting LED solutions that enhance operational safety, reduce environmental impact, and support customers’ sustainability goals.

A lighting modernisation project for one of Norway’s most important historical landmarks has been completed using a suite of solutions from Pharos Architectural Controls.

Akershus Fortress is located in the centre of the Norwegian capital of Oslo and was built in the 13th century. It has served as both a royal residence and a military facility. Today, the grounds are open to the public, and this green space is a popular spot for recreation and leisure in the city. The fortress offers a unique historical environment, cultural experiences and a landmark to attract domestic and international visitors.

During the hours of darkness, Akershus Fortress is illuminated to enhance the city’s visual appeal for residents and visitors. With the lighting system becoming outdated and inefficient, owners of the site, Forsvarsbygg (The Norwegian Defence Estates Agency) recognised the need for a modernisation project. Scandinavian lighting design practice Zenisk was appointed to create the contemporary lighting scheme, and LYSKONTROLL AS was appointed to implement the lighting control system.

With their strong understanding of Pharos technology and its capabilities, LYSKONTROLL were the perfect choice for this task. They not only had extensive experience with large, complex DMX and DALI installations, but were able to bring their expertise in delivering demanding, high-precision solutions to the table.

The overhaul of the exterior lighting system needed to address a number of critical needs such as replacing outdated and inefficient lighting infrastructure, improving sustainability through energy-efficient LED technology, and enhancing visibility, safety, and aesthetic presence at night.

Focusing on environmental issues, the new lighting also needed to reduce light pollution, which was particularly important given the fortress’ elevated position above Oslo. Closely linked to this, the illumination had to minimise any negative impact on local flora and fauna, ensuring that the lighting respects natural rhythms and avoids unnecessary disturbance.

The lighting project covered a large area across the fortress, which presented significant logistical and technical challenges. As it was not possible to install conventional cabling across the site, the entire control system, including all communication between controllers and luminaires, was designed to operate completely wirelessly.

LYSKONTROLL specified and commissioned a system from Pharos to deliver the lighting control element of the upgrade works, with two Pharos Designer LPC controllers at the heart of the installation acting as the main control engines for all architectural scenes, dynamic timelines, triggers, and logic sequences. Using two LPC units provides both redundancy and distributed processing power, ensuring reliable operation across the fortress’ extensive lighting layout.

To deliver distributed DALI control across the fortress, the system incorporates multiple Pharos Designer RIO D4 devices to provide distributed DALI control for the luminaires, while simplifying installation and enabling precise local control across various locations.

Because traditional cabling was not viable in the heritage environment, all five DALI subnets operate fully wirelessly using LumenRadio W-DALI. This solution minimises physical impact on the historic structures while providing robust and reliable wireless performance. The wireless architecture also ensures long-term scalability, allowing additional subnets to be added in future phases of the project.

Pharos Cloud adds another essential layer of capability, providing secure remote access for monitoring, management, and troubleshooting. From anywhere in the world, operators can oversee system health and performance. This remote functionality significantly reduces the need for on-site intervention while supporting smooth daily operation.

Local control was also a priority for staff working within the restaurant and castle areas of the site. Custom interfaces allow employees to easily select and adjust lighting scenes, providing flexibility for both day-to-day use and special events including national celebrations – without compromising the centralised Pharos programming.

Together, the Designer LPCs, Designer RIO D4s, and Cloud platform – combined with LumenRadio’s wireless DALI technology – create a flexible, networked, low-latency system capable of smooth and synchronised lighting sequences. This operates over 232 luminaires installed across more than 50 positions. The system also provides local control for both the castle and the on-site restaurant to adjust settings as needed.

Zenisk developed both the lighting concept and the detailed design for the new façade illumination. The solution was created in close collaboration with cultural heritage and conservation authorities to ensure minimal physical and visual impact on the historic structures. Extensive mock-ups, lighting tests, and on-site focusing were carried out to achieve a precise and balanced scheme that enhances the textures of the stone façades and castle walls without overwhelming them.

Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for UK, Ireland, N. Europe and Benelux at Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “The Akershus Fortress project demonstrates how modern technology can work in harmony with history to elevate its presence for today’s generations. Now, the landmark can be celebrated throughout seasons and ensure that its stories can be communicated for years to come, and without negatively impacting the surrounding environment or species that inhabit it”

Geir Sire, owner of LYSKONTROLL AS, added: “Akershus Fortress is an important site in Norway, yet the lighting was not showcasing its architecture. It was also inflexible and did not allow for local control and adaptability. The technology from Pharos was exactly what was needed – a fully wireless system, that is aiding improved energy efficiency and therefore sustainability, and providing that all-important control for the teams working at the site.”

The result is a system that respects the site’s history while enabling sophisticated architectural and ceremonial illumination, delivering a visually unified, low-latency, and future-ready lighting experience. The project forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the fortress’ role as an accessible and appealing cultural destination, while protecting the environment and maintaining the historical integrity of the site.

Project Credits
Client: Forsvarsbygg
Lighting Design: Zenisk, Project Manager Stian Lindquist
Lighting Product Supplier: SML Lighting (Selux, BEGA) – Tore Nistad
System Integrator & Programmer: LYSKONTROLL AS – Geir Sire
Installer: Installatøren Oslo AS
Photography and Video: Forsvarsbygg

Beneath dMFK’s award-winning headquarters at 76 Charlotte Street, London, Downstairs at dMFK sees a previously lightless basement transformed into a living materials library and creative workspace. Completed in December 2025, the 2,000 sq ft Derwent London-owned space reimagines a former post-production studio as a flexible environment for collaboration, experimentation and events.

Acting as client, architect and interior designer, dMFK Architects approached Light Forms to develop a flexible, interchangeable lighting scheme that could combine standard and non-standard fittings – some fixed, some moveable – while responding sensitively to the constraints of a low ceiling and limited natural light. The ambition was to create a softly lit, highly adaptable environment that demonstrates how even the most challenging spaces can become viable, inspiring workplaces.

Accenting the narrow, mirrored lightwell that draws visitors down into the basement, Light Forms concealed a KA28 Micro Grazer LED fitting to wash a sheer curtain with light, creating the illusion of daylight along the limited street-facing edge. This subtle intervention provides an immediate sense of depth and arrival.

Within the main space – featuring a workspace, materials libraryand events hub – carefully positioned Powergear 3-Circuit track forms the backbone of the scheme. Flexible Nova Small spotlights, controlled via a Casambi system, provide the ability to reconfigure lighting layouts with ease, highlighting furniture, workshop samples and curated displays as the space evolves. The system allows seamless transition from focused daytime working to industry events, design talks, intimate suppers, and more.

At the centre of the basement sits a five-metre-long terrazzo bar, conceived as a multifunctional focal point – a materials discussion table by day and a bar, dining surface or DJ booth by night. Here, Light Forms proposed a completely flush track solution, delivering warm, dimmable illumination across the surface without the visual interruption of suspended fittings. The fittings can be easily swapped out to showcase alternative luminaires, supporting dMFK’s ambition to explore and present new products within the space.

In the meeting rooms, bespoke Sirius 400 circular fittings were developed to focus light precisely onto the table surface, softening gently at the perimeter to create a calm, intimate atmosphere. Designed to clip into the track, these fittings reinforce the project’s overarching principle of flexibility and interchangeability.

Installed in collaboration with contractor Retail Design and Build Ltd., the lighting integrates seamlessly with acoustic treatments, bespoke joinery and material interventions throughout the basement. The result is a cohesive, layered environment that balances technical performance with warmth and tactility, supporting focused work, collaborative workshops, exhibitions and social events alike.

Commenting on the project, Julian de Metz, Director at dMFK, said: “We work with Light Forms on multiple projects because they have a ‘can do’ ability and drive to design and fabricate interesting fittings that innovate, stand apart from the market, whilst performing in a highly technical arena. For ‘Downstairs at dMFK’, Light Forms were, as ever, easy to work with and helped us arrive at a solution that exceeded our expectations. The lighting is gorgeous.”

By combining concealed grazing light, adaptable track systems and bespoke feature fittings, Downstairs at dMFK demonstrates how thoughtful lighting can redefine a basement environment – strengthening working relationships, showcasing emerging products and creating a space that blurs the line between office, gallery and gathering place.

Project credits:
Client: dMFK Architects
Architect: dMFK Architects
Interior Design: dMFK Architects
Contractor: Retail Design and Build Ltd.
Lighting: Light Forms
Photography: Ed Reeve

Enhancing the versatility of its product range, Ansell has introduced Calico – a slim, modern architectural wall light.

Designed for use in residential and hospitality applications, the luminaire is CCT selectable between 2700K, 3000K, and 4000K, providing warm or low-level lighting to create an inviting atmosphere.

Manufactured for simple installation, the CCT switch is conveniently located on the product, allowing installers to easily access the colour temperature prior to mounting the luminaire.

Offering excellent design flexibility, the product features a 350° installation angle around the connection point, and is available with either centre or end connection and in two distinct lengths, allowing installers a choice between a 600mm or 900mm luminaire.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting, said: “We’re delighted to expand our portfolio and continue to deliver products that focus on the ease of installation. The Calico wall light is a versatile product, allowing for installation in a variety of environments and creating different atmospheres.”

At the heart of Piccadilly stands the Grade I listed St James’s Church, Piccadilly, designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London. Centuries later, The Wren Project is breathing new life into this historic site through a multi-million-pound restoration and rejuvenation programme. Phase one was completed earlier this year, focusing on four key areas, including the reinstatement of the South Door onto Jermyn Street, a vital architectural and symbolic element of Wren’s original design. The door had been walled up in the 1840s to accommodate a growing congregation, but as part of the renovation, the entrance has since been reopened, with a bespoke William Sugg & Co. replica lantern and replica bow bracket positioned above the new entrance. The existing lantern and bracket sited above the North entrance were used as the inspiration for the new doorway and they were also fully restored and converted LED Mock Mantles as part of the works.

The Wren Project

The comprehensive Wren Project restoration is taking place over multiple phases, transforming the site, sanctuary, courtyard, gardens and the Piccadilly building. The project will not only restore the historical site but also amplify the church’s efforts in environmental activity and social outreach with people experiencing homelessness, refugees, asylum-seekers and those persecuted because of their sexuality and identity. With 40,000 visitors each month, the historic site is a prominent fixture in the local area and will be open to even more of the community with these changes in place.

William Sugg & Co. had previously been approached regarding heritage lighting for the church, crafting a Grosvenor lantern for Robert Myers’ gold-medal-winning ‘St James’s Piccadilly: Imagine the World to be Different’ garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower show in 2024. Whilst there was no direct link between the show’s commission and the South Door project, both were part of The Wren Project, and the success and historical resonance of the lantern design at the show reinforced William Sugg & Co.’s suitability for the main church restoration. Echoing the ethos of St James’s Church, the garden symbolised hope, recovery and a call to revitalise urban green spaces with climate-resistant plants. Featured in the garden was an archway reminiscent of the gateways leading to the churchyard, from which hung a heritage lantern by William Sugg & Co. Commissioned by Stewart Landscape Construction, the Grosvenor lantern was chosen to reflect Piccadilly’s historical context and act as a guiding light into the garden. The plants have since been reestablished in St Pancras Euston Road church, St James’s partner church, and alongside the hard landscaping, the lantern will be restored to St James’s garden.

The Art and Engineering Behind the New Lantern

William Sugg & Co. was chosen to create an identical replica lantern and bracket for the South Door on St Jermyn Street, reproducing the distinctive bow bracket and lantern restored by the team adorning the North Door. Ptolemy Dean Architects, specialists in the conservation of historic buildings, utilised William Sugg & Co. to design and manufacture the lantern, alongside experts in masonry and carpentry to construct the Portland stone doorway and English oak door. The lantern head was crafted from copper, skilfully formed onto a robust steel body to ensure durability. To maintain historical authenticity, the design incorporated mock mantles, providing the warm, inviting glow typical of traditional gas lanterns, whilst harnessing a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient LED source discretely housed within. Emergency lighting functionality was also incorporated.

To ensure visual harmony, individual components were custom-made to achieve the intricate lines and curves characteristic of the original’s ironmongery. During the restoration, tiny flecks of gold leaf were discovered on the original lantern’s cap and spike, prompting the team to gild the new lantern’s cap and spike, an elegant nod to the church’s decorative heritage. The green paint selected for the lantern was precisely matched to the railings, maintaining continuity within the wider site landscape.

The South Door was reintegrated following Sir Christopher Wren’s original designs, which visually drew residents to the door through its considered sightlines. Now with step-free access and a bespoke lantern lighting the way on a boldly realised bracket, the entrance welcomes everyone to the sanctuary.

The integration of the new lantern and bracket posed several technical challenges, particularly in ensuring a seamless fit to the newly constructed Portland stone doorway and English oak door. The design required zero tolerance in fixing it to the facade, as the bracket had to sit precisely within the new stone side faces without compromising the historical line of sight or the structural integrity of the entrance. The lantern housing was engineered for accessibility, allowing for straightforward maintenance and unobtrusive integration of emergency lighting functions, crucial for public safety, yet designed so that the red emergency light would not be visible, preserving the lantern’s period appearance.

Change for the Better

At the heart of the Wren Project is a commitment to inclusivity and community. The reinstated South Door, now featuring step-free access and illuminated by the bespoke lantern, symbolises the church’s desire to break down barriers and welcome all who pass through its doors. Enhanced lighting, improved entrances and intentionally designed seating have transformed the church and gardens into accessible spaces that embody the church’s ethos of belonging regardless of faith or background. The reopened entrance and revitalised public realm are set to increase engagement and participation in the church’s diverse social and cultural programmes.

Lighting has always played a significant role in ecclesiastical architecture, representing hope and guidance. The new lantern at St James’s Church revives a lost architectural feature and serves as a symbol of the church’s enduring mission to illuminate the path for all who seek solace, inspiration or community. The careful restoration and bespoke craftsmanship respect the church’s storied past, whilst embracing the evolving needs of a diverse and dynamic congregation.

Neil Stanton, Managing Director of William Sugg & Co., comments, “The restoration of St James’s Church, Piccadilly, demonstrates the importance of retaining skilled heritage crafts in modern construction. This project highlights how heritage restoration can be respectful of the past and responsive to current needs, with every decision guided by the need to preserve the appearance and functionality of the entrance and Christopher Wren’s original design. Our contribution to St James’s Church is grounded in skilled workmanship and a collaborative approach, ensuring the building continues to serve its congregation and visitors well into the future.”