Pitch Reconstruction for Parklands High School

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

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!

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!

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

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

SSL service is ‘above and beyond’ for Teeside 3G

The Acklam Green Centre is a first-class community facility serving the Middlesbrough area. With a youth centre, café, conference facilities, training and meeting rooms, the centre also features a full size 3G synthetic turf pitch and changing rooms.

When the popular 3G turf pitch was reaching the end of its lifespan, the facility operator, the Actes charity (Achieving Change Through Enterprising Solutions), sought quotations from various sports pitch consultants to deliver the project.

Paul Wales, Chief Executive of Actes commented; “The level of detail that was provided in the (SSL) quote compared to other consultants gave us a greater degree of confidence that SSL knew what they were doing. Additional information was provided with the quote and the response time was quicker”.

SSL were pleased to be appointed by the Actes charity to deliver the project. The scope of SSL’s services included project feasibility & survey of the old synthetic pitch, producing a design, contract specification, administering a tender process and carrying out construction phase project management/quality control.

As part of the design development process, SSL suggested improvements to the line marking arrangements to provide improved FA compliant safety run off zones for the new pitch. A variety of FA compliant small-sided pitch markings were also incorporated to help maximise usage of the new facility.

Paul provided particular reference to the level of service provided by the SSL team, including project lead consultant John Bennett; “John provided updates throughout the project and responded to any questions or requirements for additional information in a timely manner. During meetings, John was very focused and thorough in the information he gave us and went above and beyond… Overall excellent service”

We are proud to have worked on behalf of the Actes charity to upgrade a vital asset to the local community.

Uxbridge FC praise ‘invaluable service’ from SSL

SSL are proud to add the impressive 3G pitch at Uxbridge FC to an extensive list of non-league stadia pitch conversions.

With a capacity of almost 4000, the club’s Honeycroft home ground has been extensively redeveloped as the club aims to progress up the football pyramid. SSL were appointed by the club as sports pitch consultants to deliver the pitch redevelopment.

Prior to construction commencing, SSL’s role included site survey work, project design and securing planning permission. A formal tender process was administered with several experienced pitch builders submitting bids. A preferred contractor was identified and after preparing & issuing formal contract documents, SSL’s role continued throughout the construction phase providing the Step 4 club with independent quality control assurance and, ultimately, a successful project sign-off.

As Mark Bantock, Uxbridge FC Chairman, explains;

“Uxbridge Football Club have had a relationship with SSL for several years, originating when the initial concept of replacing our existing grass stadia pitch with a synthetic surface was first considered.

From the very beginning SSL have provided an invaluable service, incorporating the initial design, through the difficult planning stage and finally managing the installation process.

Whilst ours was not a straightforward design or install, it is inconceivable that we would have been able to manage the process without the knowledge and professionalism of SSL, and Wes Bugg in particular. We would have no hesitation and indeed have recommended SSL to other parties.”

After an almost 5 year process of advice, design development, planning and project management services, SSL are thrilled by the fantastic end result and the recognition from a happy client.

Drone images courtesy of Sports Surface Solutions.

Stadium Rugby Pitch Unveiled in Colwyn Bay

A 3G synthetic turf rugby pitch at Stadium CSM is the latest sports facility development at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay.

SSL were delighted to be appointed as project consultant working on behalf of Conwy County Borough Council to deliver the new pitch which is located within the infield of an athletics track.

Following site survey works including locating and mapping underground services, investigating ground conditions and assessing surface levels, a design proposal was presented to the council together with an overview of the proposed construction methodology and outline construction costings. A contract specification was produced and the project tendered to specialist contractors. During the works onsite, SSL carefully monitored the build process, completing key stage checks and quality control sign offs, whilst also keeping tabs on the construction costs.

The end result is a stunning 3G synthetic pitch with a surface system that achieves both World Rugby and FIFA Quality performance standards.

The stadium hosts high profile sporting fixtures including Under 20’s Wales Internationals, RGC matches and North Wales Crusaders. In addition the facility is the venue for major music events. SSL worked together with the turf manufacturer and contractor to help deliver a solution to protect the 3G turf surface when recently covered over for major music concert events.

Mally Tidswell, Principal Leisure Manager at Conwy County Borough Council commented;

“SSL had every stage of the project covered.  It was extremely well managed and nothing was too much trouble.  It really took the stress out of planning and delivery.  Excellent support, regular contact and a passion for delivering top class facilities.

The new facility is a real bonus.  It’s made such a positive difference to usage levels.  This allows us to increase income and support the community and other key users all year round. 

The attention to detail in this project was key, delivered on time and within budget which is essential.  SSL are a company you can trust.”

SSL are proud to have designed and delivered several sports facilities on the Parc Eirias site, including a synthetic turf 3G football pitch, 3G rugby pitch and sand dressed hockey pitch.

FIFA Quality 3G for the Granite City

SSL are proud to have delivered a replacement 3G pitch in the ‘Granite City’ of Aberdeen.

Following a formal procurement process, Sport Aberdeen selected SSL to provide sports pitch consultancy services for the redevelopment of the Garthdee 3G pitch.

After being appointed, SSL completed site survey work and provided a comprehensive feasibility report advising on base remedial works whilst also discussing options for other potential facility enhancements.

SSL produced a contract specification document fully detailing the required works and making clear the construction standards to be followed. SSL assisted the Sport Aberdeen procurement team with the analysis of contractor tender bids and provided project management & key stage sign-offs throughout the site works.

The new pitch surface achieves FIFA Quality performance standards providing reassurance of a high quality surface & installation. In addition to the pitch surface works, a new rigid panel perimeter fence was installed and the old floodlight lamps replaced with modern energy efficient LEDs.

Following completion of the works, we were delighted to receive positive feedback from Stuart Naysmith, Project Manager on behalf of Sport Aberdeen, who commented that SSL were “a pleasure to work with” and remarked that SSL “kept close communication going with all contractors, suppliers and project team.”

Sport Aberdeen are an award-winning charity, committed to creating opportunities and changing lives through sport and physical activity. We are sure the replacement 3G pitch will provide a facility to keep people active for many years to come.

High Quality Pitch Replacement for Stonyhurst College

Located in the heart of the Ribble Valley, the synthetic pitch at Stonyhurst College marks the latest high quality project designed and delivered by the SSL Team.

Having been founded in 1593, Stonyhurst is the oldest Jesuit College in the world and one of the leading Catholic Boarding and Day Schools for 3 to 18 year olds. When it was decided to replace the 21 year old synthetic pitch, the College turned to SSL to help deliver the project.

Within weeks of being appointed, SSL completed a comprehensive condition survey on the old synthetic pitch providing independent advice on redevelopment options. A formal tender process quickly followed and a contractor appointed. SSL were then on hand to carry out quality control inspections through the works onsite.

The end result is an impressive new FIH compliant sand dressed surface system complete with contrasting coloured surrounds proudly embedding the College logo. Additional features include new maintenance machinery to allow site ground staff to keep the surface in top condition, synthetic turf covered kickboards to reduce hockey ball impact noise and Stonyhurst branded hockey goals.

The works were programmed to overlap the Easter holidays in order to reduce the impact on College sports provision. Completed in less than 30 working days, the project was delivered within budget.

Paul Sharples, Commercial Director at Stonyhurst commented; SSL were appointed due to the ‘Whole Project’ offer ensuring value for money and supporting Stonyhurst with the various complexities associated with a project of this scale. A very supportive team who led our project in a professional manner which met the brief and budget requirements. The service provided was very good, clear communication, support and advice throughout”.

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