The UK’s largest commercial property company, Land Securities, has announced the digital signage Lights in London’s Piccadilly Circus is to be replaced by a large-scale curved Daktronics LED display, with installation planned for the spring of 2017.
Tim Bleakley, CEO of Ocean Outdoor which will operate the site on behalf of Land Securities, commented: “We fully understand the need to protect the heritage of the Lights but also the need to transform them to maintain their iconic global status.
“Piccadilly Lights is one of the world’s most sought-after advertising sites and this transformation takes it to the next level. Going forward we will work with all of the stakeholders to ensure the Lights remain a testament to London’s global reputation for defining invention and innovation.”
“We’re really looking forward to the overall project and are equally excited to see the new display Daktronics provides to continue giving light at this world-renowned location,” said Land Securities senior project surveyor Richard Brown. “The upgrade in technology will allow for messages using the entire digital canvas as well as the classic look with multiple messages on different parts of the display. The increased functionality will be a wonderful addition to this space.”
The 4K display will feature a tight 8mm line spacing and cover the existing digital footprint of 17.56m high by 44.62m wide as it curves around the corner of the buildings in a similar fashion to the current displays. It will feature variable content zoning to show one large piece of content or multiple sections showing different content simultaneously.
“We’re humbled to be selected for this project and to bring updated technology to one of the most well-known digital billboard locations in the world,” said Patrick Halliwell, Daktronics UK sales manager. “The new display will provide increased flexibility within Piccadilly that will rejuvenate the visual experience throughout the area. We’re really excited to get started producing this project and to see it completed as it entertains and informs the people of London.”