Acrospire enhances Harlington Underpass with energy-saving vandal-resistant lighting

British manufacturer, Acrospire worked with Hillingdon Council and J McCann & Co Limited to revitalise a key pedestrian route in London, addressing users’ safety concerns.

Harlington, a historic district in the London Borough of Hillingdon, has long served as a vital connection for residents and commuters. Adjacent to the M4 and close to Harlington High Street, the underpass provides a key pedestrian route linking the community.

However, over the years, the ageing 70W SON – T lighting system (90W circuit) left parts of the underpass in darkness, creating an uninviting environment and safety concerns for users.

Committed to fostering safe and strong communities while achieving a greener, sustainable borough, Hillingdon Council partnered with Acrospire and Termed contractor J McCann & Co Limited to revitalise the Harlington Underpass.

Together, they aimed to transform the space into a safer, more welcoming area, encouraging use and reducing energy consumption.

To meet these goals, Acrospire’s Serifa linear luminaires were selected for the project. The 44W ceiling luminaires, specified in black in 1250mm lengths delivering 5,342 lumens, offer a bright, evenly distributed light in a 4000K colour temperature. Key features of the installation included:

• Durability: Robust IK10++ impact-resistant design to withstand potential vandalism.
• Enhanced Safety: 4000K colour temperature for easier facial recognition, fostering a sense of security for pedestrians.
• Energy Savings: Integration of an external time clock, dimming the luminaires to 75% output between midnight and 5 am to conserve energy while maintaining adequate light levels.
• Aesthetic Improvement: A sleek black RAL9005 finish with frosted protectors, giving the underpass a brighter and more modern appearance.

This carefully designed solution not only addresses safety concerns but also aligns with Hillingdon Council’s dual commitments to creating safe, resilient communities and achieving carbon neutrality.

The Harlington Underpass now boasts a brighter, more welcoming environment that encourages use and discourages anti-social behaviour. The improved lighting quality ensures better visibility and a more secure atmosphere for residents and commuters. Furthermore, the built-in energy-saving features reduce energy consumption by over 50 percent, contributing to Hillingdon’s sustainability goals.

Roy Thabrew, Lighting Engineer at LB Hillingdon commented, “The upgraded lighting has transformed the Harlington Underpass. The improved light quality and even distribution make the space feel safer and more inviting for residents, while the energy-saving features support our commitment to sustainability.”