Welcome to the bright lights of Mirfield

The Council is in partnership with Network Rail and Grand Central and as a result, the underpass of Mirfield Station has become illuminated to make it more welcoming for people visiting the area.

The existing high energy lights have been replaced with low energy LEDs as part of the council’s programme to make all street lighting energy efficient by the end of 2021, compared to conventional bulbs LEDs have demonstrated energy savings of up to 50-70%.

Cllr Rob Walker Cabinet Member for Environment said: “The coloured lighting system is very impressive. Like any underpass, it can feel like a quite foreboding space but now it feels much more welcoming.’

“The added benefit of the lighting using less energy will help contribute to the council’s ambitions to be carbon neutral by 2038.

“As the council officer who initially led the project passed away before the council completed the work, for those who knew him it is will also be a fitting reminder.”

The council and its partners Network Rail and Grand Central decided to make the most of the opportunity to upgrade the lighting and jointly funded an enhanced lighting scheme which is not only brighter but also offer the opportunity to change the colour of each light to create visually pleasing effects such as rainbows.

This will allow the council to light the underpass in different colours for special occasions and events. JMD rail Ltd, specialist lighting consultants Designs For Lighting and suppliers StudioTech were also part of the team.

The area has also benefitted from thorough cleaning, and upgraded bollards, which together with the lighting improve the appearance of the whole area providing a much brighter welcome to both Mirfield and Kirklees.