Case Study - Sedbergh School Twin Hockey Pitch Floodlighting & EV Charging Installation

Delivering Competition-Standard Sports Lighting and Future-Ready Infrastructure

Project Overview

SJB Floodlighting designed, supplied, and installed an LED floodlighting solution for Sedbergh School’s new twin hockey pitch development in Cumbria. This project is part of a significant investment in the school's sports facilities. It required high-performance floodlighting for competitive hockey. The solution needed efficient operation, low environmental impact, and long-term reliability.

Alongside the sports lighting, SJB also delivered electric vehicle charging infrastructure. This provided a fully integrated electrical solution for the new development.

The Challenge

The new development required a modern floodlighting installation that would:

• Deliver competition-standard lighting for two hockey pitches.

• Meet current sports lighting standards with excellent uniformity.

• Minimise obtrusive light to surrounding areas.

• Integrate seamlessly with the wider construction of the new sports complex.

• Provide intelligent digital lighting controls for authorised users.

• Future-proof the site with electric vehicle charging facilities.

  
  

The floodlighting installation was part of a larger development. This included a new artificial hockey pitch, natural grass sports pitch, spectator facilities, drainage, retaining structures, access roads, and landscaping works.

Our Solution

SJB Floodlighting provided a complete turnkey electrical and floodlighting package, including:

• Design and installation of a new LED sports floodlighting system.

• Twelve Abacus raise-and-lower lighting columns.

• Fifteen-metre mounting heights.

• Philips OptiVision Gen 3.5 LED floodlights with asymmetric optics to minimise light spill.

• Underground XLPE/SWA power distribution.

• Weatherproof feeder pillar and local switchgear.

• Intelligent digital lighting controls allowing authorised users to operate the lighting via smartphone, tablet, or PC.

• Full BS 7671 testing, commissioning, and illumination verification.

  
  

The completed lighting design achieved:

• Maintained average illumination: ≥350 lux

• Uniformity: ≥0.70

  
  

This provided excellent playing conditions suitable for competitive hockey while maintaining outstanding environmental performance.

Electric Vehicle Charging Installation

As the project developed, the client expanded the electrical scope to include electric vehicle charging facilities. Following agreement during construction, SJB designed and installed:

• Three CURV EVA-07D-SE-RFID-C dual EV charging units

• Six charging outlets

• New electrical distribution and protective switchgear

• Dedicated underground cabling infrastructure

• Integration into the site’s main electrical installation

  
  

The new charging facilities provide convenient charging for staff and visitors. They support Sedbergh School’s long-term sustainability objectives.

Installation Works

The completed package included:

• Design and installation of the sports floodlighting system.

• Installation of 12 Abacus lighting columns.

• LED floodlight installation and aiming.

• New feeder pillar and switchgear.

• Underground power distribution network.

• Smart lighting controls.

• Electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

• Testing and commissioning.

• Final illumination surveys.

• Record drawings and operation manuals.

  
  

The Result

The completed installation provides Sedbergh School with a modern, energy-efficient sports lighting system. It supports competitive hockey while significantly reducing maintenance compared to traditional lighting technology.

The addition of intelligent lighting controls and EV charging infrastructure has created a future-ready sports facility. It is easier to manage, more sustainable, and better equipped to serve pupils, staff, and visitors for years to come.

Future-Ready Infrastructure

The integration of modern technology is crucial. Intelligent lighting controls enhance usability. They allow for flexible management of the lighting system. This adaptability is vital for sports clubs and educational institutions.

The electric vehicle charging infrastructure supports sustainability. It encourages the use of electric vehicles. This aligns with broader environmental goals.

Conclusion

SJB Floodlighting aims to be the go-to specialist for high-quality, energy-efficient LED sports and commercial floodlighting solutions across the UK. The project at Sedbergh School exemplifies this commitment. It showcases comprehensive, reliable service from design to long-term maintenance.

For more information on our services, visit SJB Floodlighting.

Feature	Specification
Client	Sedbergh School
Location	Cumbria
Sports Facilities	Twin Hockey Pitch Development
Lighting Columns	12 Abacus Raise & Lower Columns
Column Height	15 metres
Floodlights	Philips OptiVision Gen 3.5 LED
Average Illuminance	≥350 lux
Uniformity	≥0.70
Lighting Controls	Intelligent Digital Control System
Electrical Distribution	New feeder pillars, switchgear and underground XLPE/SWA cabling
EV Charging	3 × CURV EVA-07D-SE-RFID-C Dual EV Chargers (6 charging outlets)
Standards	BS 7671 Tested & Commissioned