UK, December 2025 – Acrospire is delighted to announce its recognition at the 2025 Highway Electrical Association (HEA) Awards, where it was awarded the prestigious title of Sustainable Project of the Year for our innovative LED handrail upgrade on the iconic Millennium Bridge over the River Usk.

The Newport City footbridge, originally designed by Grimshaw Architects and opened in 2006, is a vital pedestrian and cycle route, combining the city’s industrial heritage with modern design. To enhance safety and reduce energy consumption, we undertook an upgrade of the handrail lighting, which had become outdated.

In collaboration with Centregreat, Acrospire successfully retrofitted 178 existing 28W fluorescent tube casings with state-of-the-art 12W LED gear tray units. The project not only addressed safety concerns by ensuring good lighting levels according to S5 standards but also achieved an impressive 57% reduction in energy consumption. The warm 3000K LEDs provide a welcoming atmosphere with targeted illumination that minimises light spill while safeguarding the river habitat.

The team’s efforts to create a reliable and efficient lighting solution reinforce Newport's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. The upgraded lighting not only enhances the safety of pedestrians and cyclists but also respects the aesthetic integrity of the bridge, ensuring that it remains an integral part of the city’s skyline.

The recognition from the HEA highlights the team’s dedication to LED retrofit projects. Acrospire is proud to contribute to “reduce, reuse, recycle” solutions that deliver significant energy savings and quick returns on investment.

Acrospire would like to congratulate all worthy award-winners, nominees, and the HEA for another fantastic event, which is always a highlight in the industry calendar.

Read the full case study here: https://acrospire.co/case-studies-and-projects/newport-city-footbridge/