Let there be light at Centenary Park viaduct

Nov 25 2009 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

THE Victorian Viaduct in Airdrie’s Centenary Park will shine brightly throughout the winter thanks to the selfless hard work of local volunteers.

The Friends of Centenary and West End Parks had an exciting idea for a unique lighting project that would ensure the bridge is as much of a landmark at night as it is during the day.

With support from North Lanarkshire Council, the group applied for funding from the People’s Millions Fund and in November last year went head-to-head against other worthy causes for the public vote.

Thousands of viewers voted for the illumination of the Viaduct after watching the People’s Millions broadcast, shown as part of STV’s Scotland Today news programme.

The Friends group won the competition and secured funding to install a number of lighting projectors to illuminate one side of the viaduct.

Almost £60,000 came from The People’s Millions grant from the Big Lottery Fund and £10,785 from the council.

Last week saw the results of that funding come to fruition when the lights were officially switched on for the first time.

This was the culmination of a community project which involved teachers, school pupils, parents, grandparents and the local community.

Councillor Jim Logue oversaw the lighting ceremony.

He said: “This project is part of a wider initiative developed by the Friends to make the park more accessible and enjoyable for the local community and visitors alike.

“I congratulate them for all their hard work in making this impressive project a reality.”

The two former pupils from Victoria Primary School who won the competition to design the images were invited to officially turn on the lights.

Eleven-year-old Kieran Wilson’s theme, which is currently projected on the viaduct, was based on St Andrew’s Day.

The design from Chelsea Reid, who’s also 11 years old, features various types of birds and will appear on the viaduct in the new year.

All Monklands primary schools will be encouraged to take part in design competitions, which will be ongoing throughout the year ahead.

Sam Bell, from the Friends of Centenary and West End Parks, said: “We have enjoyed a successful ongoing working partnership with North Lanarkshire Council since 2004 when we started out. Our thanks go to Paul Jukes, Ken Wilson, Paul Duncan and Kevin McWard,and many others at the council.

“Thanks also to Lightfolio who managed the project and Harte Ltd, the contractors. The involvement of Lyndsay Noble at the NLC Lighting Strategy Team was much appreciated.”