Turnham Academy – Rocky & Wrighty Arena

Sports Floodlighting, Electrical Infrastructure & Smart Lighting Control

Project Overview

SJB Floodlighting was appointed to undertake the specialist sports floodlighting and associated electrical installation works for the new Rocky & Wrighty Arena at Turnham Academy in South East London.

The project delivered a new floodlit all-weather football facility at Ian Wright’s former primary school. The facility was officially opened by Ian Wright in April 2023 and was developed to provide a high-quality sporting venue for both pupils and the wider local community.

For SJB Floodlighting, the focus of the project was the electrical infrastructure required to provide reliable, effective and controllable lighting to the new sports facility.

Our Scope of Works

SJB Floodlighting’s involvement centred around the installation and commissioning of the sports floodlighting system and its supporting electrical infrastructure.

Our works included the installation of the floodlighting equipment required to illuminate the football pitch, together with the associated electrical infrastructure necessary to safely power, control and operate the system.

The installation was designed to provide consistent illumination across the playing area while allowing the facility to be used during the hours of darkness. This is particularly important for a community facility intended to accommodate activities outside normal school hours.

Smart App-Based Lighting Control

A key part of the installation was the provision of app-based control for the floodlighting system, giving the site greater flexibility over how the lights are operated.

The system allows authorised users to control the floodlights remotely and set programmed usage schedules, helping ensure the lighting is only operated when required.

Usage schedules can be configured around planned training sessions, school activities and community bookings, providing a simple and efficient way to manage the facility.

This approach also helps reduce unnecessary energy consumption by ensuring the floodlights are not left running outside scheduled usage periods.

Specialist Sports Lighting

Sports floodlighting requires considerably more than simply installing light fittings. The electrical infrastructure must be designed and installed to provide dependable operation while meeting the demands of a busy sporting environment.

SJB Floodlighting delivered the electrical works associated with the lighting system, ensuring that the installation was professionally completed and ready for use as part of the wider facility.

Our specialist experience in sports lighting allowed the lighting installation and control system to be integrated into the new facility as a complete working solution.

Supporting a Community Facility

The importance of the electrical installation goes beyond the technical side of the project.

The Rocky & Wrighty Arena is used by Turnham Academy as well as community organisations and grassroots football groups. Millwall Community Trust uses the facility for a range of programmes, while local grassroots football clubs also use the facility for training.

Reliable sports floodlighting, combined with flexible app-based control and programmed operating schedules, allows the facility to be used safely and efficiently beyond daylight hours.

A High-Profile Project

The project attracted significant attention because of its connection with former Arsenal and England footballer Ian Wright and his childhood friend David Rocastle.

The new arena was named the Rocky & Wrighty Arena in recognition of their connection with the school and was opened by Ian Wright in April 2023.

For SJB Floodlighting, the project provided an opportunity to contribute our specialist expertise to a high-profile grassroots sports development, delivering the floodlighting, electrical infrastructure and modern lighting control system required to make the facility usable throughout the year.

SJB Floodlighting

SJB Floodlighting specialises in the design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of sports floodlighting systems, providing complete lighting and electrical solutions for schools, clubs, local authorities and sports facilities across the UK.

Our work at Turnham Academy demonstrates our ability to deliver not only the physical floodlighting infrastructure, but also modern control solutions that give clients greater flexibility, efficiency and control over their sports facilities.