For years, Cleavley Athletics Track in Salford has been a hub for local athletes, schools and sports clubs. But with failing floodlights and an aging infrastructure, the track was becoming more of a challenge than a resource. Safety risks, poor visibility, and limited training hours meant that something had to change. PPG Projects and Lumosa stepped in to provide a solution.
With the support of Salford City Council and Salford Community Leisure, we took on the challenge of revitalising the facility with state-of-the-art LED floodlights. The result is a safer, more accessible and high-performance training environment that will benefit the local community for years to come.
This project wasn’t just about installing new lights – it was about solving complex logistical and technical challenges along the way. The existing lighting system had deteriorated to the point where dark spots created serious safety risks, and some events were nearly canceled due to poor visibility. The track’s location near a busy motorway added another layer of complexity, with a narrow entrance that made it difficult to deliver and install the 15-meter lighting columns. Manchester’s notorious winter weather made progress even more challenging, but the team remained focused on delivering a high-quality solution despite the obstacles. Throughout the project, real-time design adjustments were needed to ensure perfect light distribution, with precise recalibration of lux levels to maintain uniform brightness across the track.
The transformation has been remarkable. Thanks to the new LED floodlights, athletes can now train safely and comfortably at any time of day or night. The modern lighting system provides consistent, high-quality illumination, eliminating the risks posed by dark patches and unreliable lighting. The impact goes beyond just visibility – it’s about opportunity. Clubs like Salford Harriers and Salford Mets can now run evening training sessions without worrying about safety. More events can be hosted, and more young people are getting involved in athletics.
Danielle Tudor at Salford Community Leisure summed it up best: “Since the floodlight project, we’ve had a couple of our big clubs back at the track. The feedback has been incredible – everyone says how wonderful the lights are, and it’s engaging young people. We’re now getting people on the track in the evening, which was previously impossible.”
This project is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, expertise, and determination. PPG Projects and Lumosa worked together to overcome every obstacle and deliver a world-class lighting solution. Cleavley Athletics Track is no longer held back by outdated infrastructure – it’s a thriving, fully accessible facility ready to support the next generation of athletes.
At PPG Projects, we don’t just install lighting – we create environments where people can perform at their best. Interested in upgrading your sports facility? Let’s talk.