Agenda item

Report of the Interim Executive Director, Environment.

The Sub-Committee considered a report of the Interim Executive Director, Environment concerning the proposal to replace the ageing external lighting system at St Paul’s Cathedral with a new innovative and energy efficient system.

The Officer stated that there would be brighter light to the dome and the upper parts of the building and this would support distant views across London. There would be softer, dimmed light to the base of the building which would contribute to the ambience of its local setting in the City. There would be an appearance of light radiating out from the main body of the cathedral to create a sense of a living building.

Members were informed that lighting tests would be carried out in in the near future and the proposed lighting would be demonstrated to key stakeholders, decision makers from the City, St Paul’s Cathedral, external statutory bodies and sponsors. The Officer stated that a budget of £350,000 was requested to carry out these trials, progress the design details and prepare the next gateway report which was due to be submitted in Quarter 3 of 2024. It was anticipated that the Gateway 5 report would be submitted in Quarter 1 of 2025.

The Officer stated that the report also requested approval to formalise the end of the lighting system to St Paul’s Cathedral. Members were informed that the Cathedral had agreed to take on the future maintenance, running costs and management of the lighting system. It was anticipated that the new system would deliver annual savings of approximately 60% of both running costs and maintenance. It would also reduce light pollution and the carbon footprint in line with the City’s Lighting Strategy, the Lighting Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and the Climate Action Plan.

The Officer stated that project funding had now been secured through Section 106 contributions which were complementing the initial City contribution that was previously approved. In addition, discussions had taken place with Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and external high-profile partners. It was anticipated that if any further funding was required for the project, this would be secured through external sources. The Officer stated that if additional external funding was secured in excess of the project cost, the City Fund contribution could be reduced accordingly.

In response to a question from a Member, the Officer stated that the equipment to be used in the lighting tests would be returned afterwards so there would be no cost. However the demonstration required some equipment to be purchased. If it was considered that it could meet the needs of the final project it would be stored. If it was not suitable, it would be returned and the cost of the equipment would be reimbursed.

A Member requested that Members of the Sub-Committee be invited to attend the lighting tests and demonstration.

RESOLVED - That the Sub-Committee

1.         Note the updated concept design;

2.         Approve the budget of an additional £350,000 to undertake the lighting tests and demonstration trials, progress the detailed design, and reach the next Gateway; funded from the £1.16m capital bid previously approved in 2021;

3.         Authorise the transfer of any underspend from the previous Gateway to this Gateway budget;

4.         Note the revised budget of £675,000;

5.         Approve the revised project programme;

6.         Approve that Officers enter into the required legal agreement with St Paul’s Cathedral regarding the future maintenance and management of the lighting system; and

7.         Be invited to attend the lighting tests and demonstration.