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Holborn Viaduct is one of the Square Mile’s architectural marvels. The iron structure was built in the 1860s to create a better link between Holborn and the City of London for horse-drawn carriages, stretching over the steep valley created by the now-covered River Fleet. Bright red and covered in ornate embellishments, it’s a spectacular sight from below. But at the moment, it’s difficult to really appreciate after the sun goes down.
A new scheme is set to change that. Fleet Street Quarter (the area’s Business Improvement District) has received planning permission to install new lighting that will transform the Grade II-listed viaduct.
The new lights will illuminate the viaduct, drawing attention to its historical features and making the space beneath it brighter and safer for pedestrians. After dark, the lights will give passersby a better view of the bronzed winged lions, dragons and classical female figures that adorn the structure.
The makeover is part of a much wider transformation of the Fleet Street Quarter. On Fleet Street itself, there are plans for wider pavements, new planting and seating, improved cycling provision and additional enhancements across the area that will create a ‘more welcoming environment’ for workers, visitors and residents.
Lady Lucy French, Fleet Street Quarter BID CEO, said: ‘Holborn Viaduct is one of the Quarter’s most distinctive historic landmarks and an important gateway into the area. This scheme, alongside our other safety initiatives, is about enhancing the experience of those visiting our district, to make the area feel safe and welcoming for everyone.
‘Fleet Street Quarter is undergoing a huge period of transformation and it is vital our public realm keeps pace. Securing planning permission brings us an important step closer to transforming Holborn Viaduct into something that both celebrates its historic architecture while ensuring it is fit for the Quarter’s next chapter ahead.’
Now that planning permission has been secured, the new lighting on Holborn Viaduct is expected to be fully installed by winter 2026/27.
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