Heffron Centre

The Heffron Centre in Maroubra, NSW, is a multipurpose community sporting facility offering state-of-the-art amenities for sports, dance, and gymnastics programs. Notably, as the home for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, it houses the Rabbitohs Community & high-performance initiatives, including educational and community programs. The centre features a rugby training field, sports fields and amenities like a café and merchandise outlet.

LPA was engaged by UTECH to provide a comprehensive lighting solution for the multipurpose Sports Centre to enhance the original lighting design encompassing both indoor and outdoor lighting solutions. Working in close collaboration with Co.Op Architects, ADCO Construction and UTECH, we provided full lighting design drawings with relevant compliance calculations and product selection, including custom bespoke fittings. After installation, we provided aiming services for the sports field lighting and evening light metre lux point readings for all internal and external areas.

LPA recognised the necessity for distinct designs tailored to specific areas in both the internal and external spaces. For the internal spaces, LPA employed their expertise to introduce UGR 19 low-glare lighting for highbays, strategically incorporating two different wattages to cater to distinct areas – the training/gym zone and the basketball court. This bespoke approach ensures optimal visibility and ambience, fostering an environment conducive to training and competition. The external design took innovation a step further with LPA’s introduction of colour changing RGBW lighting. This high-output, narrow-beam linear lighting with DMX controls brings a vibrant and dynamic visual experience to the external field areas, matching to the iconic Rabbitoh colours. LPA not only configured these lighting systems but also meticulously commissioned the colour change feature, adding an extra layer of sophistication to The Heffron Centre’s external aesthetic.

Our approach to lighting is to ensure that every aspect of the lighting design is meticulously considered and executed. At the Heffron Centre, we provided onsite assistance in ensuring the lights were aimed allowing for perfect positioning of the light for the task application. Safety and security are key in a sports facility where exercise and/or competition is being performed. For such an iconic Sydney venue, the external façade lighting created a visual feature and the specialised sports field lighting needed exact light levels for optimal performance when playing sports. We undertook the programming configuration and commissioning of the specialised DMX control gear for the colour-changing façade lighting to meet the exact Rabbitohs brand colours. For the sports field lighting, we undertook site surveys and lumen level testing to ensure correct illumination for safe and enjoyable play

LPA offered a comprehensive lighting design package that aligned with the client’s budget and met all relevant Australian standards. We ensured timely delivery and compliance throughout the process. Our direct collaboration with the Architect and the Randwick City Council allowed us to refine external lighting concepts, enhancing the building’s visual impact and public spaces. This level of service goes beyond expectations, demonstrating our commitment to a seamless delivery process. LPA was responsible for both the internal and external facade lighting to create an environment that compliments the facility’s purpose for players, supporters and the community. Our product selection included downlights, floodlights and customized low-glare highbays to reach the requirements for the basketball space and the training areas.