Pre-wired pillars provide safe, flexible electricity access for events and festive displays

The Challenge

As part of Calderdale Council’s wider public realm improvements, Sowerby Bridge Market was relocated from its previous riverside location to a more prominent central position between Wharf Street and Tuel Lane Car Park. The move formed part of a programme to create a vibrant new community space that supports market trading, pop-up events, and public gatherings throughout the year.

To make the new market square more flexible and functional, the council needed a safe and reliable power infrastructure that could support a variety of uses, from everyday trading to festive lighting and community events. The solution had to be inobtrusive and blend within the new public space, be simple to operate and maintain, and provide long-term durability in an outdoor setting.

 

The Solution

Lucy Zodion worked closely with Calderdale Council to develop and supply six Pre-Wired Pillars (PWP), painted black (RAL 9005), each designed to meet the new space’s specific needs.

Installed across the new square, the pillars are fitted with ‘cat flaps’ to allow convenient external access to power sockets, enabling pop-up traders and event organisers to plug in without opening the pillar itself. This feature provides a safer, more controlled solution for temporary users.

Behind each door is a bespoke wiring setup, factory-built and tested to BS7671 and BSEN 61439 standards. Some units include a time clock to automate power delivery during specific hours, supporting efficient use during peak activity.

To support straightforward installation, each pillar was carefully labelled and supplied with its base marked for a specific location, a small detail that helped save time on site. With minimal disruption, the council’s team was able to immediately activate the new pillars.

 

The Impact

The pre-wired pillars have simplified power distribution across the new community space, providing a modern, safe, and easy-to-maintain system:

  • Convenient access – Stallholders can safely connect to power when needed via secure external cat flaps
  • Event-ready – Suitable for seasonal lighting, mobile vendors, and other pop-up requirements
  • Simpler installation – Labelled units and coordinated logistics made rollout fast and efficient
  • Reliable operation – Factory-assembled and tested for quality, with built-in automation where required
  • Discreet presence – Blends into the public realm with minimal impact on the surrounding environment

 

The result

The PWP installations have supported Calderdale Council’s drive to enhance the usability and vibrancy of Sowerby Bridge Market, making the square more versatile and event-ready.

Lucy Zodion’s end-to-end service, from design and custom wiring through to manufacture and delivery, ensured a smooth process and a power infrastructure that is futureproof, scalable, and tailored to the environment.

Bona MatturI Corporate Lead (Design & Asset) Calderdale Council comments, “Lucy Zodion’s Pre-Wired Pillars have been a great addition to the new market square. The flexibility of the cat flaps allows us to connect stalls and seasonal decorations with ease, and the quality of the build gives us confidence in long-term performance. It’s been a smooth process from design through to installation.”