Space Park Leicester

Located close to the National Space Centre in Leicester, Space Park Leicester has been developed through a partnership between the University of Leicester, the City and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP). The new facilities will provide a mix of teaching, laboratory, office and collaboration space, allowing like-minded individuals and organisations to work together and drive growth in the space sector.

World-leading research will be undertaken at Space Park, as well as many educational development opportunities with access to high-tech facilities and capabilities. The site will also be the UK headquarters for the National Centre of Earth Observation, contributing to the urgent work needed to tackle climate change.

Designed by architects Shepheard Epstein Hunter, the building features a contemporary style that reflects the high-tech facilities housed within. It was, therefore, essential for the exterior lighting to fit within this design, providing the necessary illumination whilst integrating into the architectural plan.

DW Windsor was appointed to supply the external lighting equipment for the project by the University of Leicester’s electrical team. The British manufacturer’s extensive outdoor lighting portfolio played a vital role in the selection process, offering a range of high-quality solutions to the University.  

Kirium Pro, Kirium Wall and Kirium Bollard luminaires were chosen to illuminate the building’s exterior and surrounding areas. In addition to delivering market-leading performance, the Kirium range offered flexibility to the designers with multiple light distribution and colour temperature options. Furthermore, by specifying products from the same family, the designers were able to bring a level of uniformity to the scheme, a key requirement for the client.

Lighting controls were also an important consideration for the University. In addition to providing increased energy savings, the ability to set up and manage dimming regimes remotely was crucial. CMS (Central Management System) functionality was integrated within the luminaires adding digital intelligence to the lighting infrastructure.

Discussing the project, Matthew Boylan, RM M&E Technician for the University of Leicester, said: “Space Park is an ambitious project, and we wanted to ensure there was a modern look to the building. It was important to use solutions that will stand the test of time, and look clean and contemporary for the years ahead.

“We were impressed by DW Windsor’s quality and range, which is why they were one of our approved suppliers for the University. Their Kirium portfolio is a perfect match for Space Park, and having the ability to choose all of the solutions from one family, to provide a cohesive look, was a significant benefit.”

Kieron Jarvis, Area Sales Manager for DW Windsor, commented: “Space Park is a unique project and needed high-quality lighting solutions to fit the design of the building.

“The Kirium family of products addressed all of the different requirements of the lighting scheme at Space Park, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. With a range of flexible options, we were able to match the products to the exact needs of the project with no compromises.”

Space Park is now fully operational with many high-tech companies taking residence in the hub. From developing satellite technologies to detailed analysis of space-enabled data, a significant level of ground-breaking work will be undertaken at this important site.