The current flood lighting system will be replaced by a new LED-based lighting system under a deal between City Hall, the City of London Corporation, London 2012 Sustainability partners EDF and GE.
Under the deal EDF will become the lighting electricity supplier for the Bridge and has agreed to match every unit of electricity supplied to the Bridge with power generated from low carbon sources.
Work is expected to start in September subject to planning permission from Southwark Council and Tower Hamlets Council and it is hoped the upgrade will be completed before the 2012 London Olympics.
Announcing the deal, Mayor of London Boris Johnson said: “I want London to look its very best in 2012 as the eyes of the world are upon us. Tower Bridge is one of this city’s most stunning landmarks, recognised the world over and therefore deserving of a star role in these year-long celebrations.”
Tower Bridge recently underwent a major renovation and is one of five crossings over the Thames managed by Bridge House Estates charity whose sole trustee is the City of London Corporation.
Stuart Fraser, chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee of the City of London, said: “The founders of the ancient Bridge House Estates charity that pays for the five City bridges would be amazed to see how the world has changed since 1097.
“But I am sure they would want London to be as smart as possible for next year and this partnership achieves that at no cost to taxpayers, a fact that will surely double everyone’s pleasure at Tower Bridge’s elegant new look.”
