Trafalgar Square fountains to undergo 'green' 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.

The project, which gets underway in March 2009, 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 said: "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.