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.

SSL Deliver ‘Huge Asset’ for Bowland High

Surfacing Standards Limited

After numerous years seeking to develop a synthetic turf pitch, Bowland High School turned to Surfacing Standards Limited to help turn their vision into reality.

Located in the picturesque Forest of Bowland, the school was previously unable to provide sufficient physical education for many weeks of the year due to the playing fields suffering from excessive ponding during wet weather, coupled with a large area of the school land being uneven and steeply sloping meaning usage for any safe sporting purposes was simply not possible.

SSL carried out a review of the overall site and possible locations and sizes of synthetic turf pitch that could be accommodated, together with providing advice on surface types and their associated usages. A design was produced taking into account a variety of considerations, not least the fact that the development had to be considerate to blend in with the surrounding Lancashire countryside. A careful site levelling proposal, culvert diversion including new pathway bridge, wildflower planting, hedgerow restoration and other ecological enhancement measures all formed part of the SSL design which secured planning permission for the development.

The value of having the correct support team in place is certainly well appreciated by the school as Operations Manager Helen Dakin explained;

“The development of a synthetic pitch represents a significant investment and it was vital to have the best project team in place. With our school having no previous experience of developing this type of facility we appointed SSL, a specialist sports pitch consultant. SSL acted as project lead, with consultant John Bennett guiding the project from initial concept, through design, planning, procurement and project management of the construction phase itself. Being located within an AONB and on a site that suffered from significant drainage issues, the project was not without its hurdles to overcome. SSL provided a calm, concise and very experienced approach to navigating those issues”.

“The end result is incredible, a huge asset to the school and users have commented on the high quality of our 3G pitch in comparison to others they have played on. SSL are clearly experts in the niche sports pitch industry and we cannot speak highly enough of the service we have received.”

The outcome is a stunning facility that is complimentary to its surrounds and one that will benefit the school and local community for years to come.

SSL Continue to Provide the Highest Standards

Surfacing Standards Limited

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognized standard for Quality Management Systems. It is the most widely used Quality Management System standard in the world.

Auditors have recently reviewed SSL’s management procedures and have confirmed that we continue to achieve ISO 9001 standards across all areas of the company. This is independent verification that SSL continue to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

At SSL we are confident that our service offering always meets the very highest standards. To ensure we maintain our position as industry leading sports facility consultants we are constantly striving to improve our service offering. So the recent audit is something we value and take very seriously.

The audit found zero areas of ‘major’ non-compliance and zero areas of ‘minor’ non-compliance. We received positive comments against 12 aspects of our management system including operational planning, support services, service provision, design/development and document control.

We are delighted with the recognition and look forward to providing a high quality service to existing and future SSL clients.