Saltburn Pier, in Saltburn by the Sea, North Yorkshire, was completed in 1869 and is now the last remaining pier in Yorkshire. It is one of only around 50 pleasure piers still left in the UK.
The pier used to be fully lit underneath, but that lighting was damaged after a tidal surge in 2013 and the pier was left without a replacement for many years. In 2019 Redcar and Cleveland Council appointed LITE to deliver programming, technical expertise, installation and commissioning on a new LED lighting design, in association with PFI contractor Bouygues.
A new LED lighting scheme was chosen thanks to the many benefits of using LED fixtures: more cost and energy efficient (the new system delivers 1.2Kw power consumption against the old equipment which ran at approximately 5Kw), lower ongoing maintenance with better longevity, and the ability to have flexible, dynamic and automated RGBW lighting with remote control.
The lighting installation was designed to enhance the historic and classic structure of the pier, as well as offering the opportunity for community engagement with themed colours to celebrate holidays and special events.
LITE specified 500 x MaxiLED DMX RGBW globes, installed in two runs of 250, at 0.5 metres spacings. Positioned underneath the main pier walkway, the globes not only beautifully illuminate the structure, but also reflect in the sand and sea.
All the lights are controlled with a Pharos LPC 4, making full use of its astronomical timeline capabilities as well as special scheduled calendar shows. LITE chose the default daily static cool white light to go on at dusk and off at midnight, to mimic the town’s street lighting.
For the dynamic lighting shows, LITE specifically chose colours that were in-keeping with both the Saltburn Pier and its environment, ensuring that any performances are tasteful, as well as complying with coastal restrictions e.g. not using red lights. LITE programmed a number of performances that combined patterns of colours and a sense of movement that can be easily triggered throughout the year for special events.
The project was completed in time to mark Saltburn Pier’s 150th birthday year and has given a new lease of live to the structure which remains a much-loved community landmark.
