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We sat down with Tim Barker, Managing Director, and Neil Purdue, Technical Director at Acrospire, to talk about what it really takes to light a park well – and why it’s about far more than just putting up a few lanterns.
“Parks are meant to be open and welcoming, but without the right lighting, they can actually become places people avoid,” says Tim. “Especially after dark.”
During the pandemic, parks and green spaces became a lifeline – places to escape, connect, and breathe. But now, as life has sped back up, many people only find time to visit outside of daylight hours. This makes dusk and evening access, more important than ever, and with that comes the need for thoughtful, safety-led lighting design.
From making heritage sites shine without compromising their character, to installing solar-powered lighting where mains power isn’t viable, Acrospire has worked with councils across the UK to bring public spaces to life – safely and sustainably.
“Fitting lighting into tight budgets while still creating something that feels safe, welcoming and attractive,” explains Neil. “That often means getting creative – like refurbishing old lanterns instead of replacing them or using solar where civil works would be too costly.”
“Paths and entrances usually get the focus, but things like footbridges, bandstands and seating areas really benefit from sensitive feature lighting,” Neil adds. “It makes a space more usable and a whole lot more inviting after dark.”
“Absolutely,” says Tim. “There’s a misconception that solar doesn’t work well here, but modern systems are incredibly efficient—even on overcast days. The MSL-50, a solution that we can install in covered areas such as canopies and shelters, for example, offers up to 61 hours of autonomy, and it’s already proving its value in real-world settings like Luton.”
“It’s not about flooding spaces with light,” says Neil. “It’s about delivering the right light, in the right place, at the right time. Smart controls like PIR sensors or dimming can reduce energy use while still creating safe, usable environments. And warm colour temperatures help protect wildlife too.”
Whether you’re working with a listed park or a new greenway, Tim recommends starting with the human experience: “Think about how people use the space. Where do they walk? Where do they stop? Where do they feel vulnerable? Lighting should support that.”
To help councils and designers rethink how parks are lit, Acrospire has created a free, practical guide full of ideas, case studies and product suggestions – including projects in Victoria Park, Stratford-upon-Avon, and Luton.
Download the Lighting for Parks and Public Spaces guide
“Lighting doesn’t just help people see,” says Tim. “Done well, it helps them feel seen – and that changes everything.”
Our story
The idea for Acrospire was formed in 2012 when founder Tim envisioned a different kind of lighting manufacturer: one that would not only deliver outstanding customer experiences but also prioritise fair treatment for its employees.
We’ve come a long way
Motivated by the belief the industry wanted and needed better, Tim shared his plan to establish his own venture with Hatty, who simply couldn't let him do it alone.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Protecting local jobs and ensuring the best quality possible.
Working from a rented office by day and assembling lanterns in a garage at night, Tim and Hatty set to work.
11 Years later
Acrospire now inhabits a 14000² ft manufacturing facility in Basingstoke, Hampshire. We’re a proud partner of the Made in Britain scheme, ISO9001 certified and a member of all relevant lighting industry trade bodies.
Along with great relationships with our customers and a great team! We've attracted some of the most experienced members of the lighting industry, all by following one golden rule.
A simple ethos
That runs through all that we do. Customers who have made the switch to Acrospire have found working with us to be a breath of fresh air.
If you’re a professional in the lighting industry, you’re probably familiar with warranties that range from 3 to 10 years, with extensions available on special request or at additional cost. At Acrospire, where we’re proud to be different, we offer a market-leading simple 12-year warranty, as standard.
We focus on our customers not our competition. We manufacture our products in the UK: with the exception of our solar products, our supply chain is within a 60-mile radius of our factory in Basingstoke: to maintain greater control over quality. We al
Speed of response is crucial when it comes to resolving warranty issues. If we’ve made a mistake, we own it, get to the root cause, and fix it as quickly as possible. We believe in timely communication with our customers and making the resolution pro
Test and Test Again
We believe in independent testing and certification. Our new product development is in line with ISO 9001. Many of our products hold ENEC Certification. To meet the requirements of ENEC we also send random product samples for third party safety testi
Our product design is another key factor in our ability to offer a 12-year warranty. We value engineer rather than cost cut, never compromising on quality. We stick to our processes and engage with our supply chain to ensure that every product meets