A SHOPPING centre is set to invest in a new energy-efficient lighting scheme as part of a £1m refit.
All internal ceilings at Middleton Grange Shopping Centre in Hartlepool will be replaced over the coming months to make the facility lighter and brighter.
It is expected the new lighting scheme will bring significant energy savings to Middleton Grange, particularly as the lights can be controlled when the centre is closed.
Centre manager Mark Rycraft said: “We are replacing all of the internal ceilings across the centre. They were the existing ‘egg crate’ ceilings which were very fashionable in their day but that has passed and they will be replaced with a far smarter and modern ceiling along with an energy-efficient lighting scheme.
“Middleton Grange is continually looking at ways of becoming more energy efficient and the new lighting installations will allow the centre to reduce its carbon footprint, which will save on our electricity bills and create a far brighter environment for shoppers, particularly in the darker winter months.”
The replacement ceilings are part of an on-going refurbishment at Middleton Grange by landlord PPG, which has invested millions of pounds to improve the appearance of the centre in recent years, including upgrading the external facade and redecoration schemes.
The new ceiling and lighting scheme, which will cost £1m, will be installed during night-time hours when Middleton Grange is closed to minimise disruption to shoppers and retailers and the work will be completed in June.
Mr Rycraft added: “It will be exciting for our customers to see the new ceilings and lighting take shape and they will notice a big difference in the brightness of the shopping centre as the work progresses, particularly in the malls around the Post Office, Specsavers, Primark and in front of JD Sports.
“The benefit of replacing the ceilings and lighting is that we can control the lighting when the centre is closed which means we are saving on our bills and reducing our impact on the environment.”