The Darwin Waterfront precinct is a highly visited area that attracts more than one million visitors annually, hosting 242 events that cater to 71,557 patrons. This multi-use space offers a variety of amenities such as restaurants, bars, shops, and a wave pool. As such, this unique location and diverse use of the precinct presented some challenges that needed to be addressed when it came to lighting the space. One of the key requirements for the lighting was that it provided good verticals for CCT and was resistant to vandalism. To achieve these goals, BEGA Pole Top luminaires were chosen. The original luminaires were installed 15 years ago and were chosen for their safety features, as they lacked glass and were therefore highly resistant to vandalism. The indirect lighting provided by the luminaires was well suited for the multi-use space, thanks to its adjustable indirect light distribution. The top reflector of the luminaires redirected the light, creating soft and uniform lighting with superior glare suppression. Moreover, the reflector could be set in a horizontal position for symmetrical light distribution or swivelled from 0° to 30° for asymmetrical light distribution.

Now 15 years later the lighting infrastructure needed an upgrade to keep up to date with the latest technology to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability, which is crucial for reducing operational costs and minimising environmental impact resulting in the retrofit of 64 BEGA pole top luminaires from halide to LED technology.

The luminaires’ durability in withstanding sea spray, salty air, humidity, and extreme weather conditions, meant that only a good cleaning of the reflector along with the LED retrofit rather than the replacement of the whole luminaire. The introduction of LED technology allowed the council to reduce energy consumption by 50%, resulting in significant cost savings for the precinct and the community. Additionally, the upgrade improved the sustainability of the precinct’s lighting infrastructure by reducing maintenance costs and improving lighting quality. LED technology offers a more energy-efficient and cost-effective solution with a longer lifespan, ensuring that the precinct’s lighting needs are met while promoting sustainability.

The retrofit kits from BEGA were specifically designed to be easy to install, with minimal disruption to the daily activities of the precinct. Durability was a key consideration in the retrofitting process, as it ensured a longer lifespan and minimized the need for frequent replacements. BEGA is committed to providing high-quality lighting solutions that meet clients’ needs while promoting sustainability. The retrofit kits are an excellent example of this commitment, as they offer a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution that improves the durability and lifespan of existing lighting infrastructure. Overall, the LED retrofit project at the Darwin Waterfront precinct was successful in improving energy efficiency, sustainability, and lighting quality while meeting the unique challenges of the space.