Impressive Pitch Reconstruction for Marple Hall

When Marple Hall School, near Stockport, looked to refurbish their synthetic pitch which was approaching 20 years of age, they turned to SSL for advice and independent guidance.

The pitch was suffering from excessive ponding and a high number of surface depressions making it unplayable at certain times of the year and failing to meet any recognised industry standards.

Following an initial site meeting, SSL put forward an itemised schedule of survey works to determine the root cause of the issues. Detailed site investigation works followed including intrusive trial pits being excavated across the pitch, before being fully reinstated to allow the school to have continued use of the facility.

Together with knowledge gained following research of the local site context and history, the lead SSL consultant analysed the results of the site investigation works. Design solutions were put forward, together with a commentary helping the school and key project funders understand the advantages of each. Accurate outline costings were provided to further guide the project development route.

With differing sub-base characteristics uncovered to different areas of the pitch, SSL adopted different techniques to certain areas in order to ensure a high quality end result and to ensure project budget was not exceeded. Furthermore a design solution was proposed to improve the transfer of water into the drainage network whilst also significantly increasing the attenuation provided for within the pitch sub base itself.

The project outcome speaks for itself. A bespoke reconstructed facility free from depressions and, importantly, providing increased attenuation and no longer suffering during periods of heavy rainfall.

The School’s Facilities and Estates Manager Peter Hutchinson commented; “SSL’s knowledge on these projects is outstanding. The school now has a facility which is one of the best I have seen. We wouldn’t have got this far if it wasn’t for SSL finding hidden drainage issues which was 10 year old problem with the school pitch. Schools often talk to each other for recommendations, and SSL will definitely be on the list for companies to use.”

SSL Consultant John Bennett added; “Pre-design stage investigation works were crucial to understanding the cause of underlying issues with the old pitch. Rather than trying to paper over cracks, the project team understood the value of adopting the techniques we put forward to help ensure a high quality end result.”

In addition to the synthetic pitch refurbishment, SSL also delivered a new floodlit synthetic turf MUGA elsewhere on the school site. Works involved facility design, gaining planning permission, the tender process and overseeing the build with quality control inspections throughout.

The end result

Cruyff Court Transforms London Space

At SSL we take pride in efficient use of space and developing facilities that will have real impact in the community. The development of this Cruyff Court in Brentford, West London is testament to what can be achieved.

Back in 2019 we first visited the site which at the time was a unforgiving area of tarmacadam. The area was used as a sports/recreational facility but the surface was suffering from undulations.

Working on behalf of the local council, the London Borough of Hounslow, SSL surveyed the site before putting together a feasibility report outlining options to transform the site.

Development of a detailed contract specification document and SSL design drawings followed. Once a contractor was appointed and onsite, SSL completed key stage quality control checks to provide independent reassurance to the Council that the works were being carried out to the required high standards, and in full compliance with the contract specification.

The project represents the latest facility to be supported by the Johan Cruyff Foundation. The organisation’s key vision is to to ensure children are provided with the space to take part in sports and be active. There are now over 200 Cruyff Courts worldwide providing facilities that are used by 65,000 children on a weekly basis.

At SSL we are delighted to be the sports facility consultant selected to develop the latest Cruyff Court in the UK, one which is sure to have a positive impact.

The end result
Area before development

SSL ‘Exactly the Company Needed’ for Pitch Resurface

At SSL we have extensive experience when it comes to synthetic pitch resurface projects. And we were delighted with the feedback received following our role overseeing the resurface of the synthetic pitch at Lodge Park Sports Centre in Corby.

SSL were appointed by Corby Borough Council to provide consultancy services relating to the resurface of one of their key leisure community assets.

As Kevin Williams, Sports Centre Leisure Manager, explains; “I was looking for a company to assist as I had no prior knowledge of what needed doing or how to put a specification together for such a project. It soon turned out that SSL were exactly the company that I needed.”

“Apart from undertaking the project during Covid-19 and all the issues that it brought, I think it’s a testament to SSL that there were no specific issues that weren’t resolved very quickly. The service meant that the project was very easy to handle from my perspective”.

“It was soon very easy to see the level of understanding that you have of your business and the needs of the client. SSL have a reputation that makes a client feel at ease and confident that you will deliver a high standard of service…which you did. Many thanks to Nick and all those involved at SSL”.

Following a detailed review of the old pitch by an experienced SSL Surveyor, we provided the council with a detailed survey report before advising on options for refurbishment and budget cost projections. After a design was agreed, SSL developed a contract specification that the council could issue to tender. Our pitch specific knowledge was vital in assisting with the analysis of contractor tender bids. We were also able to provide reassurance to the council during the works onsite as an SSL Surveyor was assigned to complete quality control inspections to sign off each key stage.

With SSL appointed by numerous other local authorities, schools, universities and sports clubs, we look forward to continuing to work hard to deliver high standard synthetic pitch resurface projects over the coming months.

SSL project continues to meet high standards at Queen Ethelburga’s

Quality is never short term with a Surfacing Standards project!

Having been selected by Queen Ethelburga’s College to act as sports pitch consultant to develop a detailed design/specification before overseeing the project build, the water based hockey field continues to maintain exceptional quality standards having recently passed a re-test to FIH Global Performance standards.

SSL officially handed over the hockey field back in January 2015 as part of a stunning project to deliver six (yes six!) new synthetic turf pitches covering an area of 38,000m2. This created an outstanding sports village that could offer the complete sports development experience with different accredited pitch surface systems to cater for hockey, football and rugby. It marked the development of the largest private facility of this type in the North of England.

The successful re-test carried out by an independent FIH accredited test-house serves to demonstrate the quality and longevity of the design implemented by Surfacing Standards, together with the quality of the build and effective ongoing maintenance procedures.

SSL Provide the Platform for Buxton FC Academy

SSL are delighted with the news that Evo-Stik North Premier League team Buxton FC will next year be launching their own Academy to develop the stars of the future.

Earlier this year SSL were engaged by EvoStik league partners GreenFields UK to assist with detailed design work in order to convert Buxton’s natural turf stadium pitch into a state-of-the-art 3G synthetic facility.

The pitch was designed to meet both FIFA Quality and World Rugby Performance Standards which has ensured the Stadium can provide for dual-usage with Buxton Rugby Club also playing there.

With Buxton FC being established back in 1877, the development marked an important moment in the club’s long history, one which will also help future progression.

Speaking to footballtradedirectory.com, Buxton FC Chairman David Hopkins commented: “We are delighted with our new pitch which overnight, alongside the obvious commercial oppor­tuni­ties, allows us to at last fully engage with our local community“.

SSL are pleased to have played a part in this project and look forward to working on further stadium projects in the near future.

(image courtesy of footballtradedirectory.com)

Stadium conversion in Oldham continues to impress

This week marks 18 months since we formally handed over the impressive synthetic pitch at the VestaCare Stadium in Oldham (formerly Whitebank Stadium). Surfacing Standards were the appointed specialist pitch consultants to prepare design options, write and submit the planning application before managing the construction phase itself and carrying out key stage inspections. Funded by Oldham Council, the new 3G stadium pitch has significantly improved sports provision in the local area. The stadium, which has hosted amateur league football since the 1930’s, is the proud home to ambitious North West Counties league Avro FC. The pitch is also used by Oldham RLFC, with the surface specifically designed to RFL playing standards allowing competitive rugby usage. 

The service and expertise provided by Surfacing Standards did not go unnoticed – Avro FA Chairman Robert Fuller comments “They are a great company. Any club thinking of getting any major pitch should get in touch

Construction was by GreenFields UK

Old Southport Courts Transformed to Floodlit 3G

Job done! Just 50 working days since SSL secured planning permission, the old tarmac courts at KGV College have been converted to an impressive floodlit 3G training facility, compliant to FA dimensions.

Due to tight project timescales, SSL ensured the tender process was completed and a contractor in place so that the construction phase could commence not long after planning permission had been granted. Having overseen the construction phase, we were delighted with the results (Drone photo courtesy of CLS Sports)

Hertfordshire 3G resurface completed ahead of programme

Designed & project managed by SSL, the 3G resurface project at The Knights Templar School, Hertfordshire was completed within budget AND ahead of programme.

Thanks to additional survey works proposed by SSL prior to contract start, we were able to provide the client greater project cost certainty whilst enabling the old pitch to be kept in use for the maximum amount of time. This ensured less disruption to the School and local users.