Sutton Vane Associates’ strategy document was instrumental in the City of Liverpool obtaining funding for implementing a major lighting programme credited with contributing to the city’s regeneration. Phase I of the £1.2 million City of Light project saw the permanent lighting or re-lighting of 30 of Liverpool’s most important buildings including both cathedrals and the Town Hall. The strategy was developed ahead of Liverpool’s designation as European Capital of Culture and as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At the time, the Northwest Development Agency, which contributed part of the funding said that illuminating the city’s waterfront and cultural buildings would ‘significantly transform the view of the city at night’ bringing in both visitors and business

‘An innovative scheme which celebrates one of Liverpool's greatest assets: its architecture.’  Paul Lakin, Northwest Development Agency.