The Tower of Light is a 40m high illuminated tower that will provide low carbon power to some of Manchester’s most iconic buildings.

This project aligns with the city’s ambitious goal of achieving zero-carbon status by 2038. At the heart of this endeavour is the energy centre located within the tower base, tasked with distributing low-carbon energy through a 2KM network of underground pipes. This network serves several iconic buildings, including Manchester Town Hall, The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester Art Gallery, Central Library, Manchester Central Convention Centre, and Heron House.

The lighting components of the project feature Tryka’s Aura 5 RGBW fixtures, strategically illuminating the tower, and Aura 7 inground fixtures installed along the exterior wall. The Tower of Light’s lighting system is orchestrated by a Pharos LPC, complemented by a TPC that allows centralised control through a touch panel. The inclusion of Pharos Cloud further enhances flexibility, enabling remote scene setting and instantaneous colour changes when needed by Manchester City Council. This functionality also empowers ECS to conduct diagnostics, system updates, file/scenario uploads, and issue resolution from any location worldwide. This remote capability proves both time and cost-efficient  eliminating the necessity for frequent site visits.

The project’s design credits go to Tonkin Liu and Seam Design, while ProGen handled the installation. Tryka L.E.D Ltd supplied the lighting and controls, with ECS Limited taking charge of addressing and commissioning the system. Together, these collaborative efforts contribute to a sustainable and technologically advanced lighting solution that supports the city’s broader environmental goals.

Client – Vital Energi
Fixtures – Tryka L.E.D. Ltd
Controls – Pharos Architectural Controls
Commissioning – ECS Limited