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

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.

Basingstoke Hockey Club Praise Excellent SSL service

With extensive experience designing and delivering hockey pitches, SSL were appointed by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council as their project consultants for a new floodlit sand dressed pitch at Down Grange Sports Complex.

A new hockey pitch is a major investment. There are very few club-owned hockey pitches in the UK and as part of the project development process, SSL believe it’s important to have a consultation process with the hockey club/clubs who will be using the facility.

And we are thrilled to receive glowing feedback from Basingstoke HC President Miranda Smith who commented;

“The service provided by SSL was excellent. As end users, we were delighted that SSL met with us to discuss all aspects of the build to ensure it met requirements of the hockey club. If any questions arose or any slight alterations requested, SSL were happy to talk through the technical aspects of what would work best. I was given a copy of the SSL’s technical specification which was excellent and really useful when answering the many questions from club members. I would definitely recommend SSL to anyone considering a hockey pitch project.”

The experienced SSL team worked with both the council and Hockey Club to develop a new facility that met their requirements, and ensured International Hockey Federation design guidance was considered throughout. SSL produced a contract specification and a tender process was carried out with numerous approved contractors submitting formal bids.

Using our extensive in-house expertise in planning application requirements, the SSL team worked to discharge all planning conditions to ensure the project could commence onsite.

The SSL team were then on hand to oversee the build process, finalising the formal contract documentation between council and contractor, chairing progress meetings and carrying out quality control checks at each key stage. Prior to handover SSL completed a comprehensive snagging survey before issuing project sign off.

We’re delighted the knowledge and experience of the SSL team was able to benefit both the council as client, but also the hockey club as key end user.