02.
Armstrong Bridge
Armstrong Bridge, which spans the Ouseburn Valley in Jesmond, Newcastle, is one of the North East’s most recognisable landmarks. Built in 1876 by the renowned industrialist William Armstrong, the Grade II listed wrought iron structure has long been a focal point for the community. Over the years, it has carried generations of residents and visitors, and today remains a vibrant space, hosting markets, commuters, and wildlife alike. With such a rich heritage and architectural significance, any upgrade to its lighting system required a solution that combined sensitivity with technical precision.
The original ornamental lanterns had deteriorated significantly. Water ingress into the gear trays had caused widespread damage, and the ageing sodium lamps were inconsistent in colour temperature and at the end of their life. A detailed site assessment revealed further complexities. The lanterns could not be removed from the bridge, which meant all refurbishment work had to be carried out at height. The bridge’s multiple uses as a marketplace, cycleway, and pedestrian thoroughfare required lighting that provided safety while avoiding excessive brightness. Adding to this, bat habitats beneath the bridge demanded stringent control of light spill to protect local wildlife. And as a Grade II listed structure, any new components had to remain completely unobtrusive, ensuring the historic aesthetic was preserved.
Vision Illumination developed a custom retrofit solution designed to overcome these unique challenges. A bespoke IP67 LED gear tray was engineered to sit seamlessly within the existing lantern housings, remaining entirely invisible to the eye with no exposed optics. The system was designed to deliver adaptive light control, balancing the need for safety with the protection of surrounding habitats. Careful selection of colour temperature ensured that the new lighting respected both the bridge’s heritage character and its ecological setting. The retrofit also restored consistency across the scheme, with standardised components, warranties, and maintenance schedules bringing long-term reliability and reassurance.
The completed project has delivered a durable, energy-efficient solution that pays full respect to both the structure’s history and its environment. Residents, cyclists, and visitors can now enjoy safe and reliable illumination, while sensitive design ensures that wildlife beneath the bridge remains undisturbed. Most importantly, the bridge has retained its authentic heritage appearance — to the casual eye, nothing has changed. The Armstrong Bridge retrofit stands as a clear example of how modern sustainability and heritage preservation can be brought together, ensuring that one of Newcastle’s most iconic landmarks remains both functional and beautiful for generations to come.