Architectural lighting has been installed at one of Chester’s key gateways, lighting up the iconic Newgate Bridge each evening.
The bridge, which forms part of Chester’s Walls and overlooks the city’s famous Amphitheatre, has had a facelift over the last year as part of the PORTICO project which aims to improve the visitor offer around the walls. This has included installation of interpretation panels and the opening up of the Newgate Towers for visitors to explore.
The monument comes to life at night as the archway of the bridge is lit with colour changing LED lights illuminating the interior of the arch. The bridge has been lit with a series of ground mounted uplighters and spot lights which provide subtle illumination and helps to emphasise the architectural detail of the bridge, including its three sets of coat of arms.
The lighting also extends to the Wolfgate arch and the ruins in the park, which was the original gate to the city in this area, and to the ruins of the South East Angle tower located next to the Newgate.
Spot lights have been installed using the nearby street lights columns which pick out the heraldry work over the Newgate arch.
The project involved Chester Renaissance working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council with Bam Nuttall as the main contractor.
Councillor Lynn Riley, Executive Member for Localities said: “This scheme continues a programme of significant investment in Chester’s heritage and the new lighting has been designed to highlight the city’s wonderful monuments and add to Chester’s ambience during the evenings.
“Showing off the city to its best is good news for residents as well as our many tourists and I am sure will be enjoyed and be as successful as our other projects at the East Gate clock, the suspension bridge and amphitheatre.”
Newgate was designed by Sir Walter and Michael Tapper. Built of reinforced concrete and faced with red sandstone, it was opened in 1938. It has a single wide archway flanked by towers and is a fine example of 1930s Gothic Revival architecture.
Local Councillor Samantha Dixon added: “Highlighting the city’s iconic architecture during the evening add’s to Chester’s character.
“The lighting helps to extend the welcome to day and nighttime visitors, allowing them to still be able to view the city’s historic buildings and attractions during the evening”.
The project builds on the One City Plan’s aim to safeguard, invest and celebrate Chester’s rich history and to enhance its historic assets.