Woolwich Town centre, London

With a rich history as a key military and industrial hub, Woolwich has long been a focal point within southeast London. At the heart of the town centre is Beresford Square, home to the town’s market for over 400 years alongside its main high street, Powis Street, once described as the ‘Ramblas’ of Woolwich. 

Over time, however, as the town evolved, the square and high street quickly became dominated by movement and day-to-day activity, offering limited opportunities for people to pause, gather and experience the space beyond its primary function. 

Reimagining spaces through light for modern use

To revitalise Woolwich town centre and unlock the full potential of the area’s historic character, The Royal Borough of Greenwich launched a major public realm regeneration scheme. The project aimed to transform Beresford Square and Powis Street into more attractive, accessible, and economically active civic space that could better support a broader mix of uses, from everyday activity through to community events and a growing evening economy.

For Beresford Square, the design focused on improving movement patterns, reducing visual clutter, and strengthening connections through the space, including the historic Gatehouse and links towards the Elizabeth Line station. Along Powis Street, the aim was to create a more coherent and pedestrian friendly environment and enhances the overall experience of the high street. 

In both locations, lighting played an important role in supporting these ambitions, helping to define routes, reinforce a sense of arrival, and contribute to a more unified and welcoming town centre after dark.

Urbis Schréder was brought into the project through an established relationship with both the council and Michael Grubb Studio, working alongside LDA Design, WSP, and Elite Landscapes Limited to deliver a coordinated lighting solution that aligned with the wider public realm vision.

Integrated lighting for a regenerated town centre

To deliver a consistent yet site-responsive scheme, a range of integrated lighting elements were introduced across both locations. On Powis Street, 16 custom parallel columns were installed, each equipped with Flexia Maxi luminaires at 2700K. These columns were designed to go beyond illumination, providing a fully integrated solution, incorporating high-level 16A electrical sockets, with selected units also adapted to support CCTV cameras, helping meet the operational needs of the space while maintaining a clean and uncluttered streetscape.

In Beresford Square, 13 custom 10-metre columns were installed, each featuring four Valinta Midi Curve luminaires and a selected unit to support CCTV integration. This was complemented by 50 Valinta Micro luminaires used to illuminate planting and trees, adding depth and reinforcing the softer landscape introduced as part of the regeneration.

To improve accessibility and safety across level changes, 7 Grade 316 stainless steel handrails were also fitted with our Alinea lighting modules, providing discreet yet effective illumination along key routes. All metalwork across the scheme was finished with a 3D metallic powder coating, ensuing durability while contributing to a cohesive and high-quality visual identity. 

Balancing performance, aesthetics and functionality

Product selection was driven by both performance and design consistency. The Valinta range was chosen for its versatility across multiple sizes, helping maintain a consistent design language throughout the project while delivering strong aesthetics, adjustability and photometric performance. While the Alinea was chosen for its class leading performance and robust design. 

The integrated column approach also provided additional functionality by combining lighting, power and CCTV infrastructure into a single solution, supporting the long-term operational needs of the space, without introducing unnecessary street clutter. 

Environmental considerations played an important role throughout the scheme. The lighting design was carefully developed to reduce unnecessary light spill and support a more sensitive approach to illumination within the public realm, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable night-time environment.

Delivering a vibrant and future-ready public realm

The completed scheme successfully redefines Woolwich Town Centre as an accessible, vibrant and inclusive civic space. By improving visibility, enhancing atmosphere, and supporting a wide range of uses, the lighting plays a key role in encouraging activity and engagement well into the evening. Collaboration with all stakeholders was central to achieving this outcome. Together, the project demonstrates how an integrated lighting approach can support regeneration goals, strengthen local identity and create spaces that people want to use, enjoy and return to.