Trafalgar Square's iconic Grade II* listed fountains set for makeover
The Mayor of London today announced plans to give the landmark fountains in Trafalgar Square a professional makeover, to enhance the world famous attraction in time for the Olympics, and which includes the installation of an innovative 'green' energy lighting system.
(Media-Newswire.com) - The Mayor of London today announced plans to give the landmark fountains in Trafalgar Square a professional makeover, to enhance the world famous attraction in time for the Olympics, and which includes the installation of an innovative 'green' energy lighting system.
Trafalgar Square is one of London's most famous destinations attracting 13 million people every year. Its two fountains, first installed in 1845, including bronze statues of mermaids, a merman, dolphins and tritons, will be cleaned and where necessary repaired, by an expert restoration team. This will help preserve and protect the monument for the enjoyment of future generations.
The lights that currently illuminate the fountains are now beyond repair and will be replaced with a LED lighting system. This will cut the carbon footprint of the fountain lighting by an estimated 90 per cent saving 16,400 kg of carbon every year, as well as saving thousands of pounds on energy bills. The new lighting system will also provide permanent coloured lighting effects for the first time.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson says: 'It is tremendously exciting that the world-renowned Trafalgar Square fountains and their statues are set for a makeover ahead of the London Olympics. Millions of visitors to the square, and the myriad of events that it hosts, will benefit from this revamp.
'As well as being lovingly spruced up, the historic Portland stone, granite and bronze monument is set to go green, with a fabulous set of low energy, cost-saving, coloured LED lights. This will provide state-of-the-art illuminations for the fountains, whilst providing a showcase for low-carbon, energy efficient lighting in the capital.'
The restoration is planned from March to May 2009 and will be undertaken to minimise disruption on the square. The Greater London Authority is currently seeking sponsorship via CBS Outdoor for the restoration, which offers companies the unique partnership opportunity in the heart of London to creatively brand the hoardings surrounding the restoration works.
The fountains were designed by Sir Charles Barry and were later remodelled by Sir Edwin Lutyens starting in the late 1930s and completed after World War II; they are now Grade II* listed.
The refurbishment of the fountains follows the once in a generation restoration of Nelson’s Column, which was completed in partnership with Zurich Insurance in 2006, and the part pedestrianisation and remodelling of the square in 2003.
Notes to Editors
Organisations or individuals wishing to find out about the high profile sponsorship opportunity created by the work on the fountains should contact Donna Price at CBS Outdoor on 020 7428 3568 or Harriet McDonald at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4081 / harriet.mcdonald@london.gov.uk. A brief timeline: * Trafalgar Square was laid out in the 1830s. * The outer basin walls of the fountains are the originals erected in 1845 and are capable of throwing water to a height of 80 ft. The fountain pools hold approximately 50,000 gallons of water, which is recycled throughout the day. The outer basin walls are granite and the basins are Portland stone on a granite base. The groups of statues are bronze. The floor of the outer fountain basin is covered with blue glazed tiles. * Lutyens' remodelling of Trafalgar Square began in 1937, but was abandoned in November 1939. Work recommenced in June 1947 and the sculptures were installed in 1948, having been stored during World War II. * The fountains were formally unveiled on 21 October 1948 by HRH the Duke of Gloucester, with a dedication service conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. * The Greater London Authority became responsible for Trafalgar Square in 2000 with the establishment of the office of Mayor of London. * In 2003, the north side of the Square was pedestrianised and a central staircase built creating a large terrace envisaged in the original early 19th century plan. Nelson's Column * In 2006, Nelson's Column was given a major restoration. * Trafalgar Square is also home to the Fourth Plinth's rolling programme of contemporary art ( www.fourthplinth.co.uk ). For more information about Trafalgar Square visit: www.london.gov.uk/trafalgarsquare. The Mayor of London has a target for London to cut its carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025 and is keen to see energy efficient solutions developed across the capital to meet this target.
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