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The project will see around 250 single colour lights and control equipment replaced with multicoloured changing LEDs. This will allow the lights to be programmed for different events and themes throughout the year. The bulbs are low energy usage to reflect the council’s commitment to tackle the climate emergency and save money on energy costs.
Cllr Steve Hogg, North Somerset Council's executive member for highways, said: “Structures like this need regular maintenance and since the design concept of Silica was based on light it is only reasonable we invest in the maintenance of that concept. We look forward to Silica glowing as intended and to see it illuminating Big Lamp Corner throughout the coming winter months.”
Weston-super-Mare Central Ward Cllr Robert Payne added: “Ever since Silica has been installed, it has provoked debate, as any public artwork should. But as a significant and iconic structure in the heart of Weston town centre, it is vital that it should be kept in good condition. We all want to create a thriving and sustainable town centre and I am pleased to see this work on Silica to help contribute to that. It’s going to be fantastic to see Silica alight again and using smart technology to reflect the seasons and events during the year.”
The works are being carried out as part of other lighting refurbishment works including the replacement and extension of the illuminations around Marine Lake in Weston and the replacement of illuminations along The Beach in Clevedon.
The £95,000 project will take around two weeks to complete and is being carried out by Ark Lighting and the council's street lighting contractor Centregreat Ltd. While works are taking place the adjacent loading bay on Regent Street will be suspended and an area around the Silica cordoned off to allow for the use of a Skylift to access the equipment.