Located in the regency market town of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Prestbury Road is a site rich in history. Once home to tramlines that operated for three decades until 1931, today, the road is recognised as a conservation area, retaining four of the original columns and brackets that previously carried tram power lines, which are now used for street lighting.
The columns, with their unique castings, intricate embellishments, and large ornate brackets extending 4.7m, are integral to the area’s architectural heritage. However, despite refurbishment work carried out 15 years ago, the columns and lanterns had deteriorated significantly, with paint peeling away and structural elements urgently needing repair.
Recognising the importance of preserving these historical features, Gloucestershire County Council set up a special fund and, working closely with highways contractor, Milestone Infrastructure, appointed outdoor lighting manufacturer and restoration specialist DW Windsor to undertake the remedial work at its UK factory.
The restoration process began with the careful removal of each column from the site. The DW Windsor team meticulously stripped and cleaned each column before applying a durable Glass-Flake root coating to the base. The entire column assembly was then sealed and treated with a high-specification paint system in RAL 6027 Light Green, the chosen colour scheme for Cheltenham. This coating ensures long-term protection against corrosion, water ingress, and rust.
The brackets were also chemically stripped back to their galvanised surfaces and repainted using the same paint in RAL 6027 Light Green. This process, carried out in a controlled factory environment, ensured that the paint was properly applied around the intricate scrollwork and clamping assemblies, leaving no areas untreated.
To replace the outdated luminaires that were no longer fit for purpose, DW Windsor provided its Ely A lantern—an almost exact replica of the original, now enhanced with the efficiency and performance of modern LED technology. These were specified with a 3000K light engine and fitted with CMS control to allow remote management of the luminaire by the local authority. The lanterns were painted in the same Light Green finish and mounted using a new cast bracket end with an Easy-Fit connection.
During the restoration process, it became clear that the existing core columns did not meet the correct specifications for the weight loads required. "One of the key challenges was ensuring the columns could withstand the weight and environmental conditions," explained Guy Bolton, Special Projects Coordinator at DW Windsor. "We had to carefully calculate the size and type of column root and foundations required, leading to the replacement of all four core columns to support the height and overhanging reach of the fixtures.”
The project required precise coordination between all parties involved to minimise disruption to local residents. Ken Pitt, Street Lighting Manager at Gloucestershire County Council, commented: “These tramline columns represent a significant aspect of Cheltenham’s architectural past, making their preservation a priority for Gloucestershire County Council. The successful completion of this project is a true testament to the collaborative effort and careful planning by all involved. I’m pleased that these beautifully restored elements can now be enjoyed by our community for years to come.”
Jack Benham, Senior Project Manager at Milestone Infrastructure, added: “DW Windsor’s expertise and attention to detail was instrumental in restoring these lighting assets to their former glory. Their dedication to preserving the historical significance of Prestbury Road while seamlessly managing the complexities of the project has ensured that these restored columns will be protected well into the future.”
Clients and partners
Client – Gloucestershire County Council
Contractor – Milestone Infrastructure
