Lighting a sports complex from the gym floor to the pool and office spaces
The Bruce Gordon Centre is the new home of the St George Illawarra Dragons. It sits at the University of Wollongong’s Innovation Campus in Fairy Meadow. Designed by Populous and built by FDC Construction and Fitout, the facility brings the Dragons’ entire operation under one roof. NRL and NRLW programs, junior pathways, medical and sports science, administration and community spaces all in one place.
The lighting scope was broad. The complex includes a wide range of spaces:
- Gym and cardio space with high ceilings
- Aquatic recovery pool, sauna and wet areas
- Lecture amphitheatre, production and studio space
- Collaboration hub and function and dining hall
- Offices, boardrooms, meeting rooms and admin workstations
- Players lounge, reception and entry foyer
- Merchandise store, grandstand seating, balconies, stairs and storage
The gym needed powerful luminaires capable of pushing light down from height. The pool and wet areas needed luminaires rated to handle moisture. RGBW striplighting in the Dragons’ brand colours covered the grandstand and locker rooms. And the offices, workstations and admin areas needed clean, consistent task lighting.
The groundbreaking sports facility needed the full scope — from simulations to custom manufacturing
The project started with a review of the architectural drawings and lighting plans. Ceiling heights, room sizes and light levels were confirmed before any product was recommended. The Industralight team then put together product recommendations with datasheets and lighting simulations. The simulations showed exactly where light would fall in each space. The electrical contractors could check levels and distribution before anything was locked in. Sample luminaires were also supplied so they could check quality, finish and output in person before committing.
The final selection covered every interior space in the complex:
- High-bay luminaires push light down from height to the floor in the gym and cardio space
- IP-rated luminaires handle moisture in the aquatic centre and bathrooms
- Recessed downlights cover the recovery room, pool surrounds, bathrooms and storage areas
- Feature Flexlite in the Dragons’ brand colours spans the grandstand and locker rooms
- Linear luminaires deliver broad lighting across wide open spaces
- Round luminaires break up large room sections throughout the complex
Products used in this project
Consistent, high-performing LED lighting across a $65M Australian sports and community complex
The sports centre officially opened on 22 May 2026. FDC finished the build six weeks ahead of schedule. From the gym to the boardroom, every space has a lighting solution built around it:
- The high bay gym luminaires push light all the way to the floor
- The aquatic recovery pools have indirect striplighting for a relaxing atmosphere
- The offices, reception and admin areas have clean, consistent task lighting throughout with recessed downlights and continuous linear systems
- RGBW Flexlite runs across curved and angled spaces including the lecture hall and locker room
For the Dragons, it is a fresh start, and everything is finally in one place. For Industralight, it is a strong example of what early involvement delivers. With consistent communication from a dedicated manager, the project went smoothly. And our knowledgeable production team was able to custom-manufacture and supply products on time.
