Grand Place opts for LED lamps

The Grand Place in Brussels has been equipped with new atmospheric lighting consisting entirely of energy-saving LED lamps. The new lighting system was inaugurated at the weekend by federal interior minister Laurette Onkelinx and Brussels mayor Freddie Thielemans.

The project was financed by Beliris, the cooperation between the federal government and Brussels region whose aim is to help support some of the costs incumbent on Brussels by virtue of its status as national capital and also, to some extent, capital of Europe. The budget for the lighting system was €3.5 million.

The new LED lamps offer cost savings on energy. According to puiblic works alderwoman Els Ampe, the new lamps cost as much to illuminate all 24 buildings on the square as it did before for the two original illuminated buildings – the Town Hall and the Maison du Roi opposite. The image shows the Town Hall lit up for Christmas in 2008/2009.

The system also offers a virtually infinite number of light combinations, with each individual lamp able to be controlled for colour and intensity from a central control desk in the town hall. In addition, the sound system on the Grand Place has also been brought up to date to provide “sound of exceptional quality,” according to the city.