Liverpool Hope University – Hockey Pitch LED Floodlighting Refurbishment

Project Overview

Liverpool Hope University’s Hope Park Campus is located in Liverpool and provides a range of academic, sporting and recreational facilities for its students.

SJB Floodlighting was appointed to undertake the refurbishment of the existing hockey pitch floodlighting, replacing the ageing metal halide system with a modern LED solution designed to provide 350 lux across the playing surface.

Existing Floodlighting System

The existing hockey pitch was illuminated by 24 metal halide floodlights mounted on existing floodlighting columns.

As part of the refurbishment, the existing columns were retained, with their height adjusted where necessary to accommodate the new LED floodlights. New crossarms were also supplied as part of the installation.

The existing metal halide fittings and associated operating equipment were removed and handed to the client for disposal. Where suitable certification was available, the existing cabling, switchgear infrastructure and controls were retained and reused.

LED Floodlighting Upgrade

The new system comprised 16 × Giga tera LED floodlights, designed specifically around the requirements of the hockey pitch.

The floodlights were accurately aimed in accordance with the LHU Hockey 350-LUX lighting design, providing a consistent level of illumination across the playing surface.

New LED drivers were installed within the column base compartments or attached to the floodlights, depending on the loading requirements of the columns. New flexible cables were also installed between the column bases and the replacement floodlights.

The local switchgear within the column base cabinets was modified to suit the new LED installation.

Remote Floodlight Control

A key feature of the upgraded system was the installation of a 4G/internet wireless switching system, allowing the hockey pitch floodlights to be controlled remotely through the Lightwave desktop and mobile applications.

This gives university staff greater flexibility when operating the floodlights, allowing them to switch the system on or off without needing to access the controls at the pitch.

The remote control system also allows operating times to be managed around the university’s use of the facility. This helps ensure that the floodlights are only operating when required, reducing unnecessary use and giving the university greater control over the system.

Specialist Installation

SJB Floodlighting used its specialist column raise-and-lower equipment to access the floodlights at the top of the existing columns.

This allows floodlights to be safely lowered to ground level for removal and installation before the columns are returned to their operating position.

The approach also allowed the university to retain its existing column infrastructure while substantially upgrading the lighting technology.

Testing and Commissioning

Following installation, each column was function tested before the complete floodlighting system was tested and commissioned.

An after-dark illumination test was carried out to verify the lighting performance, with a report provided to the client.

The completed electrical installation was tested in accordance with BS 7671, with certification provided. Operational instruction and an operating manual were also supplied to the university’s staff.

A Modern Hockey Lighting Solution

The refurbishment provided Liverpool Hope University with a modern 350-lux LED hockey pitch floodlighting system, replacing the existing metal halide technology while retaining the existing floodlighting columns.

The addition of remote wireless switching provides the university with significantly greater control over the facility, allowing staff to operate the lights remotely and manage their use around scheduled activities.

The result is a flexible, controllable and modern sports lighting installation designed to support the university’s hockey facilities while helping ensure the floodlights are used efficiently and only when required.