The iconic bridge will be lit up by 1,800 new energy efficient lights to celebrate Team GB’s medal success during the Games this summer, according to Tracy Halliwell, director of business tourism & major events at London & Partners.
In a presentation at the Summer Eventia conference at Kings Place on 23 April, Halliwell said the lights were planned to flash gold if Britain wins a gold medal. They would complement the giant Olympic rings which will be temporarily hung from the bridge during the Games.
The new lighting system is currently being installed and will be complete in May. It is part of a £2m project backed by EDF Energy and General Electric – both official partners of the Games - and the City of London Corporation, which owns the bridge.
The LED bulbs will replace the bridge's current static flood-lighting and reduce the lighting system's energy consumption by an estimated 40 per cent.
Stuart Wilson, project director, said:"Bridge lifts have been a bit hairy - but the high-wire work has gone remarkably smoothly. The system is very sophisticated but the equipment is less obtrusive than the current lighting kit so the effects will both show off Tower Bridge better and allow the odd special effects celebration."
Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF Energy, EDF’s UK subsidiary, said: "Lit even more beautifully, but using less energy, this world famous icon is now well on its way to becoming a symbol of sustainably for the capital."
The City of London Corporation did not confirm the that bridge would glow gold when Team GB wins a gold medal. It said more information about plans for the lights would be released after the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in June.
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