John Charles Stadium, Leeds

As one of Leeds’ premier multi-sport venues, John Charles Stadium hosts a wide range of activities, from professional rugby league fixtures to community sports and training sessions. However, the stadium’s ageing metal-halide lighting system was no longer capable of meeting modern performance requirements, with deteriorating lighting levels, poor uniformity and increasing maintenance demands impacting both the user experience and compliance with governing body standards.

To future-proof the facility, Leeds City Council (LCC) commissioned Urbis Schréder to design and deliver a new lighting solution that would improve performance, enhance operational flexibility and reduce energy consumption, while working within the constraints of the existing infrastructure and available budget.

Designing for performance within existing infrastructure

A key requirement of the project was to achieve lighting levels suitable for competitive rugby league. While the Rugby Football League (RFL) requires a minimum average illuminance of 500 lux with 70% uniformity, LCC targeted an enhanced level of 600 lux average with 70% uniformity to provide greater flexibility for future use.

Initial designs explored lighting levels up to broadcast standards of 1,200 lux. However, achieving this would have required high-mast structures and significant investment in new supporting infrastructure, making the option financially unviable. Instead, the project team developed a solution that maximised the potential of the existing concrete bases already supporting the stadium lighting. Structural assessments, including ultrasound testing, confirmed the foundations were in good condition and suitable for reuse, allowing the project to proceed without costly civil works.

Working within strict weight and windage limitations, the solution was engineered around a standard 20-metre column with a top-mounted bracket, enabling the target lighting levels to be achieved without transitioning to more expensive high-mast alternatives.

A flexible and adaptable floodlighting solution

Following detailed design development, Schréder's BRITELINE GEN3 floodlights were selected for their efficiency, versatility and high-output performance.

Given the site’s high wind exposure, careful attention was paid to structural loading. Each column was fitted with five BRITELINE GEN3 floodlights, comprising four size 3 luminaires and one size 2 unit, helping to reduce overall weight and windage while still achieving the required lighting performance.

All structural calculations, weightings and windage assessments were independently verified by Valmont Structures to ensure compliance with the required loading parameters for both columns and foundations.

The installation was delivered in partnership with MSF, the appointed contractor.

To further enhance operational flexibility, Schréder’s ITERRA control management system, was integrated into the scheme. This enables the stadium to adjust lighting levels according to usage and the specific needs of the venue. From high-output settings for competitive fixtures through to reduced levels for training and community sport, ITERRA delivers the right amount of light when and where it’s needed, helping minimise energy consumption while maintaining compliance with sporting requirements. 

Overcoming challenges to future-proof the stadium

While the reuse of existing infrastructure delivered significant cost savings, it also presented several challenges. During the project, ageing cabling was found to be unsuitable and required replacement, while existing mounting positions and foundation conditions required careful assessment throughout the design process.

Despite these constraints and budget limitations, the final solution successfully achieved the client's performance targets while providing a more energy efficient and adaptable lighting solution for the future.

The upgrade has transformed the stadium's lighting environment, improving visibility, reducing maintenance requirements and providing greater operational control for the facilities team. By relocating control gear and drivers to the base of each column, maintenance teams can now access key components safely at ground level, removing the need for specialist access equipment and reducing working at height risks. This also contributes to a reduced structural load at the top of each column.

This is the best I've ever seen the lighting at John Charles. Really impressed with the quality of work, how easy the control system is to use and how great the whole project turned out - and on top of that we are saving energy. 

- Leeds City Council

By combining high-performance floodlighting, smart controls and a pragmatic approach to existing infrastructure, the completed project has transformed the lighting capability at John Charles Stadium. The modern, future-ready solution supports a diverse range of sporting activities while reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency.