Burnley company lights up London skyline

Burnley-based LITE Ltd designed, built and installed an illuminated display that stood atop the 1,016ft Shard building, treating the capital to a laser and light show for the building's grand opening.

The installation included 400 two-foot long LED strips which emit white light from the top of the skyscraper. The permanent display will be seen by millions of London residents and tourists alike each year.

Steve Hainsworth, the company's managing director, said: “To get to work within the spire of this magnificent building has been great for us. The Shard will be among the most prominent features on the London skyline for decades and it’s a proud achievement for the our company to be involved.”

Steve added that the iconic Chrysler Tower in New York provided the inspiration for the display. “Maybe in time The Shard will have a similar place in people’s minds,” he said.

LITE already has a string of well-known projects in its portfolio, including the Tyne Bridge, Burnley Viaduct, Avenham Park in Preston, House of Fraser in Glasgow and Victoria Square Fountain in Birmingham.