The deal, which benefits from the Bridge House Estates charitable fund, will go ahead with no cost to the taxpayer.

Partners in the project include City Hall, City of London Corporation, EDF Energy and GE.

EDF Energy will be the lighting electricity supplier for Tower Bridge and will match every unit of electricity that it supplies to Tower Bridge with power generated from low carbon sources.

Lighting company, Citelum, who has worked on high-profile international projects, including the Eiffel Tower and the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, will design and install the lights.

The project will need to obtain planning permission before work begins, scheduled for spring 2012.

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “I want London to look its very best in 2012 as the eyes of the world are upon us. Tower Bridge is one of this city’s most stunning landmarks, recognised the world over and therefore deserving of a star role in these year-long celebrations.

“I am thrilled to have brokered this deal – at no cost to the taxpayer – to bathe Tower Bridge in eco-friendly light to create a fresh perspective of this wonderful icon.”

Alison Brown

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