London Gatwick North Terminal
As part of an ongoing programme to enhance the passenger experience, London Gatwick has worked closely with Dextra Lighting and LEDextra for over a decade. This latest project focused specifically on the departure lounge of the North Terminal, which features an iconic sweeping staircase and escalator that guides passengers towards London Gatwick’s extensive range of restaurants, cafes and bars, colloquially known as the “Hollywood Stairs.” Working alongside BP Installations and architects 3D Reid, LEDextra was tasked with creating a lighting scheme that would complement the striking new cladding.
To achieve this, LEDextra specified the Glide Pixel RGBW, a highly flexible system with 100mm individually addressable sections capable of displaying a vast range of dynamic effects. Glide Pixel RGBW is supplied in lengths of 1m and 500mm as standard but LEDextra customised some of this project as 305mm lengths to work within the constraints of the cladding. LEDextra have recently invested in a 3D render package, which uses precise light fitting photometry to produce a realistic representation of the final lighting effect and this, along with lay-out drawings and wiring schematics, was presented to London Gatwick by BP Installations, who work on many London Gatwick projects with LEDextra and Dextra Lighting.
The final scheme includes a series of pre-programmed scenes chosen in collaboration with London Gatwick, such as London Gatwick blue, Pride-inspired sequences, Hanukkah candle effects, St Patrick’s green and red/gold for Chinese New Year. As with many of LEDextra’s recent projects, the system was commissioned by Darren Parlby of Oakcroft Technical. LEDextra specified an innovative DMX modular control system, with a wall-mounted user interface, allowing London Gatwick staff to adjust scenes easily, offering flexibility for events and seasonal themes.
In addition to the stair and escalator features, LEDextra’s Glide Mini was installed as a wall-grazing solution to highlight the retail “Moss Walls” within the concourse.
“As Senior Electrical Design Engineer for BP Installations Ltd, I had the pleasure of working with LEDextra on the recent refurbishment of the departure lounges in both Gatwick’s North and South Terminals. The feature lighting supplied and designed by LEDextra has played a key role in transforming the spaces, creating a modern, welcoming environment for passengers. Throughout both projects, LEDextra’s team were proactive, knowledgeable, and highly responsive, ensuring the lighting solutions not only met the design intent but were also practical to install and maintain. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality made a real difference to the overall success of the schemes.”
Howard Lawrence MIET
Senior Electrical Design Engineer
“Dextra Group have been instrumental in producing unique showcases with the installation of energy efficient feature lighting. The use of carefully designed light features was one of the key pillars for enhancing the environment for passengers and we’re really pleased with the results.”
Jack Howe
Senior Retail Operations and Projects Manager
London Gatwick
