Acrospire has partnered with Cornwall Council and contractor Enerveo to deliver a robust and long-life illuminated handrail solution for Grade II listed Jacob’s Ladder in Falmouth, replacing an ageing system that had reached the end of serviceable life

After dark, 111 granite steps shouldn’t feel like a gamble. They should feel safe.

Jacob’s Ladder stands proudly on Falmouth Moor, a Grade II listed flight of 111 steps. Commissioned in the early 19th century by local businessman Jacob Hamblen, it linked his properties and business interests across the town. Today, it remains a well-used pedestrian route and a point of interest in Falmouth’s heritage landscape, attracting visitors and forming a key link between the Moor and the popular Jacob’s Ladder Inn.

As a steep stone stairway exposed to coastal weather, lighting plays an essential role in ensuring safe use, particularly during darker months and wet conditions when surfaces can become slippery. However, the previous handrail lighting system no longer met the site's operational needs.

'The problem we had was that the old handrail lighting system was beginning to fail and spares were no longer available,' explains Mark Vincent, County Lighting Engineer, Cornwall Council. 'The steps are old, worn and well-used; they can also be very slippery when wet, so it was a priority for Cornwall Council to make sure they were properly lit.'

Cornwall Council explored the option of retrofitting a new LED lighting system into the existing handrail; however, following discussions on durability, installation practicality and cost efficiency, a full replacement proved the most advantageous route.