SSL ‘Exactly the Company Needed’ for Pitch Resurface

Surfacing Standards Limited

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 Deliver 3G for Cambridgeshire School

Surfacing Standards Limited

SSL played a key role in enhancing Hinchingbrooke School’s already extensive range of leisure facilities by overseeing the refurbishment of their 3G pitch.

The school is part of the ACES Academies Trust whose vision is to raise aspiration and achievement for the communities they serve.

Our detailed survey of the old pitch identified important information from which SSL could provide the Cambridgeshire school with a Feasibility report including accurate outline project costings. SSL then put together a schedule of works and contract specification on which to tender the project to several specialist pitch contractors.

SSL’s involvement didn’t end there with quality control inspections throughout the construction phase as well as chairing progress meetings and project handover.

Hinchingbrooke School has an extensive range of fantastic sports facilities that are available for hire when not in use by the students. We are pleased to see a fantastic end result with a 3G facility that will benefit both the school and the local community.

Hockey Club Delighted with SSL Consultancy

Surfacing Standards Limited

SSL were pleased to be chosen as specialist sports pitch consultant by Chelmsford Hockey Club and Chelmsford City Council, for a joint project to resurface two synthetic hockey pitches.

Chelmsford Hockey Club boast 16 senior sides and the support provided by SSL throughout the project was vital. As Club President Spencer Wilcox explains; “From a hockey perspective, we’re delighted with both pitches. They play consistently well and have drawn favourable comments not just from members, but also visiting sides. Our pitch is used by juniors aged 5 right up to vets in their 70s so it is genuinely supporting hockey across the generations!…We’re also hosting the O40s regional finals for the second time in June – and hope to get the same favourable comments from the guys (some of whom are ex-internationals) as we got last year. Our pitch is also used by Essex HA for junior and development coaching. As for SSL, we and the council wouldn’t have wanted to enter into this joint project without the support of a consultancy firm – and SSL did an excellent job for us at a sensible cost. So many thanks for that!”

Having been engaged to carry out a condition survey on both facilities, SSL first provided outline costings for different possible design solutions before preparing a construction specification to enable a competitive formal tender process to take place.

Several tenders were received by contractors bidding to secure the contract. SSL completed a detailed commercial analysis of each bid to ensure like for like comparison before assessing each bid against quality criteria.

When works commenced onsite, SSL were on hand to complete a schedule of key stage inspections and also ensure material samples were collected and laboratory tested to confirm compliance with the specification.

With the performance of the shockpad layer being so critical to hockey performance, SSL ensured the existing shockpad layers to both pitches were thoroughly tested as part of the project.

The double pitch resurface provides another important hockey pitch project completed by SSL. And we’re pleased to once again receive such positive feedback from a UK hockey club!

Ryan Giggs impressed with SSL designed pitch

Surfacing Standards Limited

It’s always good to receive positive feedback. But when the person giving feedback is a 13-time Premier League winner and current Welsh National Team Manager, that’s even better!

SSL were delighted to play a key role in the 3G resurface of the synthetic pitch at Plas Arthur Leisure Centre on the Isle of Anglesey.The new facility was officially opened by Welsh National Team Manager Ryan Giggs, and assistant Osian Roberts. Speaking at the opening, Giggs commented;

“It’s a great facility…I only wish I had this sort of surface whilst I was playing”.

Images kindly provided by Anglesey County Council

As specialist sports pitch consultants, SSL were employed by facility development experts Alliance Leisure to prepare a detailed construction specification and design drawings. This was issued to specialist contractors to price against, with Dura-Sport Ltd securing the contract. When the works progressed onsite, SSL’s experienced team carried out quality control inspections to provide reassurance that the expected high quality construction standards were being achieved.

The opening of the pitch was marked by a tournament featuring pupils from the island’s five high schools. SSL are pleased to have played an important part in delivering what is the first full size 3G pitch on the Isle of Anglesey, a major investment by Isle of Anglesey County Council.

The FAW Trust play a key role in growing football participation and a video of the 3G pitch opening can be viewed via their website;

http://www.fawtrust.cymru/get-inspired/news/wales-manager-ryan-giggs-opens-angleseys-first-3g-pitch/