Woolwich Town Centre, UK

The public realm lighting scheme for Woolwich Town Centre was developed to support the wider regeneration of one of London’s most historically significant civic spaces.

Designed by Michael Grubb Studio in collaboration with the Landscapre Architects Design and the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the lighting strategy focuses on safety, legibility and identity, while creating an environment that encourages evening use and community activity.

At the heart of the project is Beresford Square, a space with a long civic history that had previously become dark and uninviting after dusk. The lighting design responds by reshaping the night-time experience of the square, moving away from a hard, functional character towards a warmer and more inclusive public realm. The aim was to create a place where people feel comfortable to linger, meet and take part in events, extending the life of the town centre beyond daytime hours.

The scheme supports the Landscape Architects Design’s vision for a flexible civic square capable of accommodating everyday market trading, informal social use and larger community events. Lighting is used to define routes, frame gathering spaces and support changing patterns of use throughout the year. Rather than relying on high light levels, the design uses carefully controlled illumination to provide clarity and reassurance while maintaining a sense of calm.

A layered approach underpins the strategy. Ambient lighting establishes a consistent base level across the square, improving wayfinding and safety. Accent lighting is used to draw attention to key features, including new planting, terraced seating and the water feature, helping these elements remain active and legible after dark. Architectural lighting enhances the surrounding built context, including the Grade II listed Royal Arsenal Gatehouse, reinforcing the square’s historic identity without overpowering it.

Key pedestrian routes are subtly lit to improve visibility and comfort, supporting natural movement through the space. Along Powis Street, the lighting introduces warmth and continuity, strengthening connections between the square and the wider town centre. The overall effect is a public realm that feels open and accessible, while remaining visually coherent and uncluttered.

Environmental sensitivity was an important consideration throughout the project. The landscape design introduced softer planting and opportunities for ecological enhancement, and the lighting scheme responds with a restrained and context-aware approach. Light spill is carefully managed, and unnecessary brightness is avoided, helping to support a healthier nocturnal environment while still meeting the functional needs of a busy town centre.

The completed lighting scheme plays a key role in supporting Woolwich’s evening economy and community life. By combining functional, ambient and accent lighting in a considered way, the design encourages social interaction and ongoing use of the space after dark. The result is a civic square that feels safe, welcoming and adaptable, celebrating Woolwich’s heritage while contributing to a renewed sense of identity and pride within the town centre.