London’s home of entertainment, Leicester Square, was recently refurbished in a £15.5 million makeover. dpa lighting design were appointed to produce a lighting masterplan and concept design considering not just the square itself, but the wider city block.

The aim was to produce a contemporary design whilst respecting the Square’s familiar historic assets. The lighting masterplan was developed in close collaboration with the landscape architects Burns + Nice, and in consultation with the stakeholders and client, Westminster City Council, taking into account their needs which were incorporated into the masterplan, these included the operation and management, energy efficiency, maintenance issues, access, safety & security, CCTV, discouraging anti-social behaviour and providing for flexible, adaptable lighting for both standard use and for any special events and film premieres held in the square.

The lighting masterplan contained a number of proposals for the surrounding streets and the square itself, many of which have been realised as part of the final scheme.

Client: Westminster City Council
Landscape Architect: Burns + Nice
Photography: James Newton