Guildhall Square
Urban lighting revitalises city square and reduces energy consumption by 50%
Guildhall Square, at the heart of Southampton’s Cultural Quarter, is a vibrant public space hosting events, exhibitions and performances. It serves as a key gathering place for the University of Southampton community and visitors alike. Originally redeveloped in 2010 with modern lighting, paving and street furniture, the square is popular destination for concerts and art shows.
By 2024, one of the four main lighting columns had become unstable, prompting Southampton City Council (SCC) to replace the scheme. The council approached installer Utili-light and Schréder to propose an energy-efficient lighting solution that would reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and revitalise the space.
Bespoke solution for existing infrastructure
We proposed our VALINTA MAXI CURVE luminaire for its performance and contemporary aesthetic. The challenge, however, was mounting the VALINTA on the existing columns. To reuse the existing lighting columns, we designed bespoke bracketry using our in-house design services. Our product managers visited the site to develop a custom mounting solution that would allow the VALINTA luminaires to be fixed to the existing metalwork. This significantly reduced costs, waste and installation time.
The unstable column, that prompted the scheme, was removed for testing by installer Utili-light. Following a successful structural validation, Utili-light reinstalled the column to prevent any unnecessary waste. Outdated reflectors were also removed, relieving stress on the columns, and the inefficient uplighters were replaced with the VALINTA Maxi Curve, improving uniformity across the square with a 50% reduction in energy consumption.
Urban lighting enhances safety and visitor experience
Following an on-site assessment, 32 VALINTA CURVE luminaires with static white LEDs (4,000K) were installed, delivering C2 lighting levels. The high uniformity across the square improves visibility, providing a greater sense of safety and security, particularly during events and gatherings.
The elegant VALINTA CURVE Maxi has a smooth, contemporary finish that gives the square a distinctive identity. The luminaires are powder-coated in white to complement the surrounding landscape and metalwork, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
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Southampton City Council are incredibly impressed with the solution offered by Urbis Schréder. The square now has a much better feel for all users and has been architecturally refreshed in appearance. We also wish to thank those involved including Urbis Schreder and Utili-light for the professional services offered.
A square for people and the community
This lighting upgrade will ensure that Guildhall Square continues to support a vibrant night-time economy, remaining a place where people want to live, work and study. The revitalised square benefits not only the University of Southampton, but also strengthens Southampton’s reputation as a dynamic, modern city.
At Schréder, we are committed to long-term urban sustainability. By providing bespoke solutions that prioritise energy efficiency, structural integrity, and superior light quality, we work hand-in-hand with cities to revitalise key public areas, ensuring they remain safe and inviting for future generations.
