The current flood lighting system will be replaced by a new LED-based lighting system under a deal between City Hall, the City of London Corporation, EDF and GE.

As part of the deal EDF, who are the sustainability partners of London 2012 and a Tier One sponsor, will become the lighting electricity supplier for the Bridge and has agreed to match every unit of electricity supplied to the Bridge with power generated from low carbon sources.

If given planning permission, the lighting design will feature LEDs and a new cabling system from worldwide Olympic sponsor GE to significantly enhance the listed building's striking features - such as its gothic turrets, central aerial walkway and suspension chains - in colours sensitive to its listed status.

The lighting system would be flexible allowing for both varying colours and intensity of light, enabling Tower Bridge to respond to special events in a unique and spectacular manner, including next year's Olympics and Paralympics.

Currently Tower Bridge has traditional, static flood-lighting which can flatten the architecture.

The use of energy efficient LED technology will reduce the energy consumption of the existing lighting system by an estimated average of 40 per cent.


The project must now undergo planning permissions from Southwark Council and Tower Hamlets Council but if successful would result in the work starting by September 2011 to be completed by spring 2012 in time for the Olympics and Paralympics.

Commercial agreements have now been signed between all relevant parties and a detailed planning application is being drawn up.

"I want London to look its very best in 2012 as the eyes of the world are upon us," said London Mayor Boris Johnson.

"Tower Bridge is one of this city's most stunning landmarks, recognised the world over and therefore deserving of a star role in these year-long celebrations.

"I am thrilled to have brokered this deal – at no cost to the taxpayer - to bathe Tower Bridge in eco-friendly light to create a fresh perspective of this wonderful icon.

"This is another great legacy for London stretching for decades beyond the Olympic year."

Tower Bridge is expected to be at the centre of celebrations during London 2012.

"The spotlight is going to be firmly on London in 2012 so it is the perfect time to be able to highlight one of London's most iconic global landmarks," said Mark Elborne, the President and chief executive of GE in the UK.

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