Council unveils 'intelligent' lighting for market

The lighting will keep maintenance costs down, according to Bradford Council

An "intelligent" low-energy lighting system will reduce maintenance costs and disruption to traders at a new market, according to Bradford Council.

Darley Street Market will be lit up by the new street lighting when it opens in September.

The building will be fully lit when the market is open, but dimmed when it is being cleaned and prepared for trading.

The scheme was originally budgeted at £23.5m, but the council since increased its spending on the market to £27m which it said was due to high inflation.

'Incredibly proud'

Colin Wolstenholme, markets manager at Bradford Council, said: “The testing of the lighting system at the new market is the latest in the progress of this exciting development.

"Alongside our traders we’re looking forward to opening the market later this year.”

Operators will have the ability to control the lighting system so it can be used for key occasions throughout the year or to highlight key dates.

The market roof has glazing sections allowing natural light into the upper floors and atrium.

Bradford Council said a "special glass" had been used to allow natural light in but reduce glare from the sun, while reflecting heat to keep the building cool in the summer and warm in winter.

Lighting in areas without natural light will also be powered by surplus energy from solar panels on the roof.

David Wilson, senior project manager at Kier Construction North & Scotland said: “I’m incredibly proud of the work our site teams have delivered on this project and I’m looking forward to seeing the market and the local area flourish once it is in operation.”

The market will replace the city centre’s two existing markets, Kirkgate and Oastler, which will both shut once Darley Street Market opens.

It will have three floors of stalls offering food and drink, a stage, indoor screens, a large outdoor screen and umbrellas for hosting events in the market square.

While some councillors have criticised the cost of the scheme, David Shepherd, director of place, said: “The money we invest will be recouped through the income generated by the market.”

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