Preserving Heritage with Modern Solutions: Maidstone’s Lighting Column Restoration

When tasked with maintaining historic infrastructure, councils often face the challenge of balancing preservation with modern safety standards. This was precisely the case for Maidstone Borough Council, which needed to restore and maintain heritage lighting columns in the heart of Kent. TMP, in collaboration with PSR Lighting and other manufacturers, provided an innovative solution that successfully retained the historical aesthetic while introducing modern materials for improved longevity and safety.

The Challenge: Restoring Heritage Lighting Columns

Maidstone town centre is home to a series of blue-painted heritage lighting columns, located around landmarks such as All Saints Church and the Bishop’s Palace. These columns, a mix of cast iron and steel with decorative embellishments, could not simply be replaced with plain steel alternatives due to their historical significance. However, maintenance had become increasingly difficult because the traditional dip testing method for structural integrity was not possible without damaging the cast iron embellishments attached to the steel columns.

Over time, rust and structural weaknesses had developed, raising concerns about the long-term viability of the columns. The council needed a solution that would allow for effective safety testing while preserving the visual character of the area.

The TMP Solution: Polymer-Based Embellishment Kits

Working alongside PSR Lighting and other lighting manufacturers, TMP offered a solution (developed in Essex where a similar problem existed) using polymer-based embellishment kits. These kits provided a lightweight and durable alternative to traditional cast iron, allowing the council to maintain the historical appearance of the lighting columns while enabling modern safety practices.

To ensure a seamless integration, PSR matched the new embellishments to the original blue-painted finish. The process involved:

• Painting the steel columns to the exact RAL colour specification.
• Applying the polymer embellishment kits, which were supplied with a primer finish to ensure smooth and effective adhesion.
• Conducting adhesion tests to confirm that the acrylic paint would bond properly with the polymer material.

The Benefits: Safety, Sustainability, and Aesthetic Integrity

The introduction of polymer-based embellishments provided numerous advantages:

• Improved Safety: The embellishments were installed on hinged columns, allowing for dip testing without the need to remove or damage the kits.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike traditional cast iron, the polymer embellishments do not rust and require minimal upkeep.
• Sustainability: All embellishment kits are 100% recyclable, supporting the council’s environmental commitments.
• Seamless Aesthetic: The colour-matched finish ensured that the replacement embellishments were visually identical to the originals, preserving the historic character of the town centre. 

A Successful Heritage Restoration

The project has been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. The restored columns now combine heritage charm with modern materials, ensuring they remain structurally sound and visually appealing for years to come.

At TMP, we pride ourselves on delivering innovative solutions that respect historical integrity while embracing the benefits of modern materials. If your council or organisation faces similar challenges in maintaining heritage infrastructure, get in touch to see how we can help.