Liverpool to Get a £30m Lighting Upgrade as Firm Secures Major Contract

Liverpool City Council has awarded a £30 million contract to Nottingham-based lighting specialist McCann to replace and maintain tens of thousands of streetlights across the city.

The three-year contract, with the potential to extend for two additional years depending on performance, covers 57,000 lighting units and 8,000 signs and bollards. It includes £21.5 million in capital works and £8.5 million for ongoing maintenance services.

Under the deal, thousands of new energy-efficient LED lamps will be installed throughout Liverpool. The upgrade is expected to cut energy consumption by 40% to 80% and reduce carbon emissions. LED lights also have a lifespan of 20–25 years, compared with around five years for traditional lamps, lowering maintenance costs and the frequency of replacements.

The council will also introduce a Central Management System (CMS) to monitor and control the lighting network. The system will detect faults in real time, allowing faster repairs, and enable dynamic dimming based on traffic, time of day, and environmental conditions.

John McCann, managing director of McCann, said: “Our team has worked diligently to ensure a smooth mobilisation of the Liverpool contract. We are excited to deliver high-quality services that will enhance the city’s infrastructure.”

Over the past three months, McCann has set up a dedicated Liverpool-based team, incorporating eight TUPE staff alongside new recruits including quantity surveyors, apprentices, and technical administrators. A central depot has been established to support citywide operations.

Cllr Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, described the contract as “a major step forward in modernising Liverpool’s street lighting network.”

The initiative is expected to improve energy efficiency, reduce long-term costs, and make Liverpool’s streets brighter and safer for residents and visitors alike.