SSL provide expert guidance for Paignton Academy resurface

Surfacing Standards Limited

The Paignton Academy 3G pitch resurface benefitted from SSL’s consultancy services and is the latest SSL project delivered on behalf of the Thinking Schools Academies Trust (TSAT).

SSL were originally engaged to survey the old pitch and provide a feasibility report advising on options for refurbishment. With the surface at the end of its lifespan, SSL produced a scope of works and contract specification before administering a tender process on behalf of the Trust. SSL’s role as project consultant continued during the construction phase with the SSL team providing project management and quality control checks.

The outcome is a carefully managed facility refurbishment with the majority of the shockpad underlay being retained and remediated prior to installation of the new 3G turf surface system. New fence projecting goals were installed to help maximise usage of the footprint of the pitch without requiring additional goal storage areas to be constructed.

Jonathan Brown, Regional Fitness & Lettings Manager for TSAT, commented;

“TSAT has collaborated with SSL on multiple projects and has consistently maintained a strong, positive working relationship with their team. Throughout these engagements, SSL has demonstrated a commitment to meeting project requirements with precision while providing expert guidance and technical insight to ensure successful outcomes.

We would wholeheartedly endorse SSL to anyone undertaking a similar project and seeking professional, reliable service backed by genuine expertise and industry knowledge.

The newly resurfaced pitch has been extremely well received by both the school and local community groups. Thanks to SSL’s expert guidance and support, the project has been completed to an exceptional standard and is regarded as a great success.”

We are sure the refurbished 3G pitch will prove to be a vital resource for Paignton Academy’s 1,500 students, not to mention providing for community usage at evenings/weekends.

3G pitch unveiled at Burgess Hill Town FC!

Surfacing Standards Limited

The latest SSL stadia project has been completed at Burgess Hill Town FC!

The Hillians, founded in 1882, are a founder member of the Sussex County Football Association. As part of various stadium upgrade works, the club turned to SSL for the design and delivery of a high quality 3G synthetic pitch at the Medical Travel Compared Stadium.

Club chairman David Corney outlined the role played by SSL in turning a vision into reality;

“SSL were the key part in the successful delivery of the clubs new 3G pitch within the 12 months we needed to get it done. The club’s directors had little, if any, knowledge of what was required to implement such as project. However based upon a very general brief from the club, SSL asked the correct questions for them to understand how to design a system which would meet the club’s needs. They then organised all of the various surveys required with the key objective of avoiding hold-ups during the planning process. SSL submitted those plans and answered questions posed to them by the planning authorities. On planning being accepted, SSL drew up a technical specification to present to potential contractors from which our tender was based. Once a contractor was chosen, SSL stayed part of the journey with monitoring of progress and ensuring that the contractor met its technical and contractual obligations to the club.

We now have our fantastic 3G pitch which will transform the facility from a 1 or 2 game a week venue to one used every evening and weekend – allowing us to offer more footballing opportunities for the community and allow us to transform the financial operations of the club.”

The SSL team are pleased to have played a part delivering a large number of 3G stadia pitches across the UK. We wish Burgess Hill Town FC all the best for the rest of the season!

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Synthetic Pitch Replacement for Wimbledon High School

Surfacing Standards Limited

SSL recently headed back to Wimbledon High School to review the hockey pitch which benefitted from a resurface 12 months previous.

Working on behalf of The Girls Day School Trust (GDST), who have helped to shape girl’s education for over 150 years, SSL designed and oversaw the delivery of a full refurbishment of the synthetic pitch. The standard of the finished facility is first class, with the surface achieving FIH performance standards.

Prior to developing a contract specification, detailed survey works were completed with several trial holes excavated through the old pitch to ascertain the existing condition and makeup of the foundations and subbase. Due to the old sub-base not providing the recommended porosity rates, a new network of drainage pipework was installed below the pitch to help protect the investment being made in the new surface system. A two-tone surface finish was selected with a green main playing area supplemented with blue coloured surrounds.

Alessia Fedeli, Estates Manager at GDST, commented;

“Finding a consultancy firm able to guide clients through the design pitfalls and project options is not easy ask. SSL were appointed by The Girls Day School Trust (GDST) to undertake various feasibility studies, providing us information required to successfully obtain funding and deliver within a very tight timescale. Their ‘no frills’ attitude and genuine passion for the industry were appreciated by the team throughout the process. Our students and sports department were delighted by the finished quality and can safely host Sports Days with no concerns. 

If you have a project in mind, whatever its size, I strongly recommend appointing Surfacing Standards Limited for an impartial advice and guidance as their knowledge on sports surfaces is extremely valuable to your decision-making process.”

SSL continue  to deliver a large number of synthetic pitch resurfaces each year. For specialist guidance and advice for your synthetic pitch project, get in touch with the SSL team.

£2.3m Investment at Parc Eirias

Surfacing Standards Limited

Parc Eirias, Colwyn Bay. The culmination of 6 years of SSL consultancy support and £2.3m of investment into North Wales sport. Hockey pitch refurbishment, two new build 3G pitches and the replacement of the athletics track. Designed and delivered by Surfacing Standards Limited, working on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council. Take a look at the project video!

£1.7m hockey development for Sedbergh

Surfacing Standards Limited

SSL are proud to be the lead consultant appointed by Sedbergh School to design and deliver their double hockey pitch development.

The double pitch project involved careful realignment of Old Peculier, an important wetland area. Recognising the sensitive setting, the works were planned in close collaboration with Yorkshire Dales ecologists and over 72 trees, numerous shrubs & marginal pond species were planted.

Both synthetic pitches at Sedbergh School achieve the highest possible playing standards for a sand dressed synthetic turf surface, as certified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

Working together with a fantastic project team, SSL led the project through feasibility, design development & construction. A huge effort across a range of project considerations all helped to create an amazing facility.

Take a look at the impressive project video…..

Pitch Reconstruction for Parklands High School

Surfacing Standards Limited

SSL delivered an impressive reduced infill 3G pitch at Parklands High School in Chorley, in advance of the planned completion date and within project budget.

Aspirational Futures Multi-Academy Trust made the decision to replace the existing synthetic pitch at Parklands High School in Chorley with a high quality 3G pitch, selecting SSL to act as consultants to assist throughout the process.

SSL dealt with 4 main phases for the Trust; surveying the old pitch, the tender process, construction stage duties and post construction support.

The previous pitch base was upgraded to an engineered construction design providing a 25 year warranty on stability of the construction, ensuring the precise tolerance levels required to support a 3G pitch are achieved and maintained. The new surface system includes a underlying shockpad which helps to improve the player experience and reduce the quantity of loose infill required within the 3G turf itself. The pitch drainage system was improved with issues with the old outfall point being rectified as well as a new interceptor drain being added to prevent surface water flowing on to the synthetic turf from an adjacent grassed bank.

Following completion of the works the new pitch was tested to confirm compliance to FIFA Quality requirements which gained the facility a place on the FA 3G Pitch Register for a 3 year period before a re-test will be due.

The Trust couldn’t be happier with the final result. Carol Slater, Chief Finance & Operations Officer commented; “As SSL state ‘their expertise goes beyond the surface’ and I would highly recommend using the experts at Surfacing Standards Limited. They have been indispensable to the trust and I look forward to working with them again on any future projects within our family of schools.”

Aggregate base rectification works
Macadam base installed

Two New Signings for SSL

Surfacing Standards Limited

Due to recent growth and success we are delighted to welcome two new additions to the SSL team!

George Thorne has recently joined the SSL team as Design Consultant. George has almost a decade of experience working within the sports facility industry during which time he has developed excellent knowledge of various construction practices. George brings specific knowledge on sports field accreditation having carried out testing on facilities across the world. As well as being a key player in terms of the construction stage project management and quality control processes, George will be providing vital input and support on the various other aspects of SSL’s consultancy including feasibility stage work and design.

Having recently graduated with a Masters degree in Sports Technology from Loughborough University, Luke Storey joins SSL with vital CAD knowledge and has already gained experience in the industry as a field technician. Outside of work, Luke has worked together with Loughborough University and Leicester City FC helping set up a community football training sessions for refugees.

As the company enters its 20th year, we look forward to George and Luke further strengthening the SSL team.

SSL deliver UK’s first ‘dry’ hockey pitch!

Surfacing Standards Limited

Fantastic to be able to deliver our 5th sports pitch project at Down Grange Sports Ground in Basingstoke, this one being a UK first with the facility being a ‘dry’ hockey pitch surface, the very latest in sustainability.

Following opening for use, the innovative pitch has accommodated training sessions with Team GB Olympic hockey players as part of their preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Historically elite level hockey players have preferred to play on wet hockey fields with slicker ball roll seen as preferable. Elite hockey fields have for some time used water cannons to provide the preferred playing surface conditions. Under environmental pressure, the industry has sought to develop hockey turfs that retain the desired characteristics, but without using water. The latest facility delivered by SSL at Down Grange Sports Complex is the very first in the UK that utilises this new surface technolgy.

A wide array of our sports industry talent and quality have been portrayed across this site with 4 different sports pitch contractors and 3 different surfacing suppliers. Each project was designed, project managed and led by SSL utilising our independent advice that enables our clients to receive the best and most competitive solutions from what the industry has to offer.

The project was led by SSL Director Wesley Bugg who commented;

“It is a pleasure to see vast improvements to the sports facilities that I used to play on growing up locally and still see when visiting family in Basingstoke and the surrounding area. SSL have longstanding experience delivering high quality hockey facilities across the UK and we are delighted to be at the forefront of the very latest innovative solution for the hockey community.”

SSL Celebrate 20 Year Milestone!

Surfacing Standards Limited

This year marks a special milestone with the 20 year anniversary of Surfacing Standards Limited.

The company was formed in 2004 offering independent consultancy services for the design, development and delivery of sports facilities. Over the last 20 years, SSL are proud to have designed and delivered an extensive number of high quality facilities for a variety of clients including local authorities, schools, universities, charities, community organisations and sports clubs.

In recent years SSL have expanded and are proud to offer a team of consultants with a wealth of sports facility knowledge. Due to continued success, SSL will very shortly welcome two new additions to the team to further enhance the specialist sports facility construction expertise and CAD design service offering.

Steve Wilcockson, SSL Managing Director commented; “At SSL we have brought together a fantastic team with a range of skills dedicated to what is a niche industry. Since founding the company in 2004, the sports facility environment has inevitably evolved and continues to face new challenges. With our current dedicated team, supplemented with a couple of exciting new additions, we continue to be proactive as one of the leading UK consultants in this field.”

Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre Re-vamped

Surfacing Standards Limited

Blackburn Rovers Indoor Centre (known locally as ‘the ‘BRIC’) is an indoor synthetic turf facility which first opened in the 1990s. The facility has recently undergone a comprehensive re-vamp and SSL, as the appointed sports pitch consultant, are proud of the end result.

SSL were engaged by facility operator the Blackburn Rovers Community Trust. The Trust, a registered charity, provide a vital resource to the local community with a programme of grassroots football and activities. 

Following our appointment, SSL conducted a feasibility study review of the old facility. Proposals for redevelopment were drawn up and agreed before SSL carried out a tender process where several specialist contractors were invited to submit priced tender bids for the works. 

The finished facility represents the culmination of various key design enhancements. The synthetic turf footprint has been reconfigured to introduce a spectator viewing corridor. In keeping with Blackburn Rovers club colours, blue coloured rebound boards and white coloured roof netting have been installed. The old roof lamps have been replaced with energy efficient LED lamps providing increased luminance levels in accordance with industry guidelines. The new surface system is a true ‘4G’ synthetic turf without any requirement for any loose infill material. Electric powered maintenance machinery was sourced to negate any risk of petrol fume inhalation given the enclosed indoor environment. The facility even includes a compliant sized walking football pitch.

SSL are certain that the impressive new facility will prove to be a key asset to help the Trust continue their excellent work for the local community.

The old facility