Wainhouse Tower, also known as the ‘Tower of Spite’, is a landmark structure in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Originally built as a chimney for the local dye works in the 19th century, the 253-feet high structure is now used as a tower with a viewing gallery at the top of its 403 steps. Featured in TV shows such as Happy Valley and Ackley Bridge, the prominent landmark is often illuminated to mark special occasions and events.

However, the lighting system used was 20 years old and required a much-needed upgrade to modern LED technology. The old system required manual colour changing, dimming and adjustment of lighting levels. Calderdale Council approved the refurbished lighting scheme, bringing the Grade II listed tower into the 21st century.

The scheme was installed by Andrew Greenwood Electrical, while ECS supplied the controls and commissioned the system. The new system is a colour-changing LED system with Ark Lighting fixtures and a flexible app-based control platform, easily allowing different tiers of the tower to be illuminated independently of each other.

To allow for such a dynamic system, a 4G router system was installed. This allows the council to access the controls remotely from anywhere in the world, allowing for quick and easy scene changes.

The scheme has been designed so as not to block the perimeter walkway at lower level, in order to continue to allow occasional public access, to use the existing locations on the upper level and to improve the quality of lighting of the crown. Lights on the lower platform will be in a different location to the existing, and fixed to the inner face of the baluster, with one light on each octagonal side of the platform.

The modern lighting system illuminates the top of the tower in a dynamic display of vibrant colours, backlighting the striking architecture while drawing the eye towards its impressive crown. The ease of the innovative control system makes it simple for the council to programme lighting displays to show support for events and campaigns that affect the local community.

Client – Calderdale Council
Installation – Andrew Greenwood Electrical

Fixtures – Ark Lighting
Supply and commissioning – ECS