How lighting can reverse High Street decline  

We often take street lighting for granted until we step out into the dark. Yet, it plays a vital role in how safe and welcoming our cities and communities feel after sunset.  

Recent insights from the House of Lords Built Environment Committee highlight that high streets are no longer just shopping destinations. They are evolving into multi-purpose community hubs, with growing demand for leisure spaces, restaurants, public services, and green areas. However, for high streets to thrive, people need to use them both day and night. 

The Committee found that many young people, especially young women, do not feel safe on their local high streets. It emphasised the need for adequate street lighting, clear sightlines, and active street life beyond retail to create safer, more inviting spaces. 

While lighting is often considered a safety measure for parks or secluded areas, we need to rethink its role in the high street’s future. Good lighting doesn’t just illuminate – it revitalises. 

The benefits of quality high street lighting 

Reversing high street decline requires more than just economic investment; it demands an environment where people feel comfortable spending time. Thoughtfully designed lighting contributes to this by offering: 

• Enhanced safety: Good lighting improves visibility for pedestrians and drivers, reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring people feel secure 

• Crime deterrence and reduced fear: While studies have shown mixed evidence on whether extra brightness alone deters crime, high-quality lighting that minimises dark spots and glare does foster a sense of security. Well-lit areas naturally encourage community presence and discourage anti-social behaviour 

• A boost to local businesses – When people feel safe, they are more likely to visit high streets in the evening, increasing footfall for shops, cafés, and entertainment venues 

• Stronger community connections: A well-lit high street extends its use beyond shopping, becoming a space where people can meet friends, attend events, and engage in local life 

Beyond illumination: The design challenge 

It’s not simply a case of “more light equals more safety.” Recent research challenges the notion that increased outdoor lighting automatically reduces accidents or crime. In fact, studies from both the UK and the US have noted that overly bright, unshielded lights can produce glare, which not only causes discomfort but can also diminish overall visibility. The American Medical Association and several academic studies have highlighted that excessive glare may compromise pedestrian safety. 

At Acrospire, we believe that the secret lies in quality. Effective high street lighting should work in harmony with its surroundings. Think soft, human-scale illumination that accentuates the character of your high street without overwhelming it. It’s about striking the right balance: enough light to ensure visibility and deter potential hazards, but not so much that it creates harsh, uninviting spaces. 

Lighting solutions for today’s High Streets 

Local authorities and businesses have an opportunity to rethink their approach to high street lighting by: 

• Tailoring designs to local needs: No two high streets are the same. Customised lighting designs can address specific concerns, ensuring even illumination that avoids dark corners and unnecessary glare. Careful consideration of LED type and colour temperature is essential, as these factors can significantly impact a scheme

• Embracing smart technology: LED innovations and adaptive lighting systems allow better control of brightness and energy use, adjusting to the natural flow of people throughout the evening 

• Integrating lighting into urban planning: Collaboration between lighting designers, urban planners, and architects ensures that lighting contributes to a cohesive, well-designed public space 

• Using the right LED solution to compliment CCTV image capture, protect dark skies and reduce light intrusion into building windows

A brighter future for High Streets  

High streets are changing, and lighting can play a crucial role in shaping their future. By prioritising well-designed, strategic lighting solutions, we can transform struggling high streets into thriving, vibrant spaces that serve their communities long after the shops close. 

At Acrospire, we are committed to lighting solutions that do more than brighten the night—they help rebuild and revitalise our towns and cities. 

If you’re looking to enhance your high street with lighting that makes a real difference, get in touch with our team today.