A massive £30m investment will see a brighter future for Liverpool – literally – as 65,000 lighting assets are improved and maintained.
Following a competitive tender process, McCann was awarded the contract comprising £21.5m in capital works and £8.5m in maintenance services over an initial 3-year term with the potential to extend for a further two years based on performance.
The contract covers 57,000 lighting units and 8,000 signs and bollards.
Thousands of new LED lamps will be installed across the City, dramatically reducing energy consumption and slashing carbon emissions.
LED lights typically achieve energy savings of 40% to 80% – directly translating into lower electricity bills for the council.
Further cost-savings are achieved as LED streetlights have a much longer lifespan, often lasting 20-25 years, compared to five-year lifespans of traditional lamps. This drastically reduces the frequency of bulb replacements and associated maintenance work, leading to significant cost savings on labour, equipment, and traffic management.
By reducing energy consumption, Liverpool City Council will also become less vulnerable to fluctuations and potential increases in electricity prices, leading to more predictable budgeting.
To further enhance the lighting system, the Council will implement a Central Management System (CMS).
This advanced technology will not only detect faults in real time, enabling faster response times and quicker repairs, but also enable dynamic dimming based on time of day, traffic flow, or environmental conditions.
McCann will deliver a comprehensive range of services, from emergency callouts to major infrastructure upgrades, ensuring Liverpool’s street lighting network is safe, reliable, and future-ready.
Over the past 3 months, McCann has worked closely with Liverpool City Council to establish a dedicated Liverpool-based team, including the onboarding of 8 TUPE staff, recruitment of Quantity Surveyors, Apprentices, and Technical Administrators.
A new central depot to support operations across the City, and secured plant, equipment, and stock.
Work will initially focus on maintenance and resolving outstanding faults. This foundational work will pave the way for sustained service improvements and innovation throughout the contract term.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said:- “This contract represents a major step forward in modernising Liverpool’s street lighting network. We’re pleased to be working with McCann, whose experience and collaborative approach will help us deliver a safer, more energy-efficient environment for our residents. Work such as this is helping the city to forge ahead to a future of net zero and energy security. It’s a solution that benefits us all.”
John McCann, Managing Director of McCann, said:- “Our team has worked diligently to ensure a smooth and comprehensive mobilisation of the Liverpool contract. We’re proud to partner with Liverpool City Council and excited to begin delivering high-quality services that will enhance the City’s infrastructure. I’d also like to extend a warm welcome to the new team members joining McCann - we’re thrilled to have you on board.”
