RS Electrical
Projects · Education

The Foster Centre

Bespoke LED lighting upgrade at The Foster Centre, South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, integrating new luminaires with the existing Burgess grid ceiling and DALI control system.

Client
South Staffordshire College
Sector
Education
Location
Staffordshire
Scope
Bespoke LED Lighting Upgrade
Campus
Rodbaston Campus
Controls
DALI
Existing ceiling system
Burgess grid
Programme
Half-term delivery
Exterior of The Foster Learning Centre at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, with two liveried RS Electrical vans parked outside the building.
The Foster Centre
Overview

RS Electrical delivered a comprehensive lighting upgrade at The Foster Centre, situated within South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus.

The centre is a key hub for student activity, meaning the existing lighting system had a direct impact on day-to-day operations. The project involved removing outdated fluorescent fittings and replacing them with modern, energy-efficient LED solutions designed to improve both performance and long-term reliability.

Scope of works
  • Bespoke luminaires developed in collaboration with a trusted lighting manufacturer, engineered specifically for the existing Burgess grid ceiling system
  • New fittings designed to integrate seamlessly with the college's existing DALI lighting control network
  • A tailored approach that improved lighting performance and efficiency without requiring costly alterations to the existing ceiling system or control equipment
Close-up of circular LED wall-mounted luminaires installed above doorways on an orange feature wall at The Foster Centre.
Bespoke luminaires
The challenge
Interior view of a glazed circulation walkway at The Foster Centre, showing new circular LED wall luminaires alongside an orange feature wall and exposed ductwork beneath a glazed roof.
Interior lighting installation

Planning and design

Given the high footfall within The Foster Centre and the importance of maintaining access for students and staff, careful planning was essential.

The installation programme was scheduled during the half-term break to avoid disruption to teaching activities.

Ahead of the works, RS Electrical carried out several detailed site visits to assess the existing installation, verify variations within the ceiling grid and obtain accurate measurements.

A range of sample fittings was also provided, allowing the college to review light output, appearance and compatibility before final approval.

This collaborative pre-construction process allowed the luminaire design, drivers, emergency lighting compatibility and aesthetic requirements to be agreed before mobilisation.

By the time the installation commenced, the proposed solution had been developed specifically around the requirements of the existing building.

The result

Delivery and outcome

Installation was completed within the agreed programme, supported by close communication between RS Electrical, South Staffordshire College and the lighting manufacturer.

Our engineers systematically removed the existing fittings, adapted wiring where required and installed the new bespoke LED luminaires throughout the centre.

The completed installation delivered a significant improvement in lighting quality, providing brighter and more consistent illumination throughout teaching spaces, circulation areas and breakout zones.

Alongside the visual improvement, the upgraded system reduced energy consumption and ongoing maintenance requirements, supporting the college's wider sustainability objectives.

Client feedback following completion was highly positive, particularly regarding the improved environment and the professionalism and organisation of the RS Electrical team.

The Foster Centre now benefits from a modern, reliable and energy-efficient lighting installation designed specifically around the existing building and its operational requirements.

A first-floor circulation walkway at The Foster Centre fitted with new circular LED wall luminaires, overlooking the entrance area below.
Circulation lighting
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