West Bridgford RFC was founded in 1939 by a group of old scholars of West Bridgford Grammar School in association with the Old West Bridgfordians and known as Old West Bridgfordians RUFC. From inception in 1939, Old West Bridgfordians were always in trouble over grounds. For about 10 years the school grounds on Loughborough Road were used, but alternative accommodation had to be found when it was felt that the old boys were cutting up the school pitches too much. It wasn’t until after World War II that a memorial fund was opened, with the plan being to buy a ground. This went well, and in due course the ground, at the bottom end of Stamford Road was bought. So in the 1957-58 season the rugby club moved a little nearer home.
Project background brief:
The club had recently been promoted to RFU Level 5, which meant the lighting level requirements increased for the club to compete and host matches during the hours of darkness. Powerplus Group worked closely with the club, taking a consultative approach towards a lighting project that would work for the club and their future ambitions.
Powerplus Group’s Sports Lighting team carried out a lighting check, to confirm what levels were present both on the Main Pitch and training areas. The results showed that illuminance levels were around half of the new requirement, with a low level of uniformity. This meant an upgrade would be needed.
As with any Sports club post COVID-19, any capital projects can be financially challenging, so after putting together a costed proposal for an LED Lighting Upgrade to RFU Lighting standards for Levels 2-5, the team produced a return on investment calculation demonstrating the energy savings offered. This in mind, Powerplus Group was able to advise the club of grant funding that they could apply for. The club were able to raise significant grant monies, which then made the project a reality.
The project progressed, with a full main pitch upgrade in addition to lighting for the training areas. Four days later, the installation was complete and light testing carried out. The results significantly exceeded the RFU and Sport England requirements.
Project challenges:
The location of lighting columns away from the field of play due to the ground share with the cricket club meant that the design was critical and routes to the columns with the access equipment needed to be planned and coordinated around the ground staff and training.
Local houses over looking the facility also had to be considered for light spill during the design stage.
Additional information:
There are also additional lighting on the columns for local training areas adjacent to the main pitch. The switching arrangement means that not all the lights have to be on. This allows the club to partially light the pitch for training nights. The off-field training lights are also independent from the main playing area allowing the club to manage their energy usage during the winter months.
https://www.powerplusgroup.co.uk/rugby-football-club/
