The power of football

Located next to The Stadium of Light, the home of Sunderland AFC, Beacon of Light provides a vibrant and feel-good environment for people to meet socially and gain skills and qualifications. The building was carefully designed in collaboration with the Foundation of Light—the biggest football charity in the UK—to inspire a sense of belonging and pride among the local community.

The Foundation deliver over 40 programmes across the region, supporting over 20,000 people from all walks of life, to live happier and healthier lives. They provide opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to take part in sport, making it accessible and fun for everyone.

Through the avenue of football, the centre aims to foster social connection and improve quality of life. The Foundation of Light predicts that the centre will generate up to £73 million worth of social return-on-investment over a period of 20 years.

Our efficient building form stacks a rooftop football barn with a lightweight structure on top of shared community and education facilities and a controlled, insulated ‘box’ that houses the sports hall. This arrangement maximises external space for revenue-generating five-a-side pitches, and creates height and establishes the building as a regional landmark—particularly within the immediate context of the stadium. The triple-height ‘street’ that runs through the building facilitates visibility across the different activities available, encouraging spontaneous interaction and cross-participation.