Case Study
New Synthetic Sports Surfaces at Sittingbourne Community College
As part of a large project to improve outdoor sports facilities TGMS Ltd were asked to provide the college with specifications for the construction of new natural and synthetic sports surfaces. In addition 4 new natural turf football pitches, a cricket ground and training grids, a new 3G synthetic Football Pitch, a two-thirds size 2G hockey training pitch and a small MUGA were also required.
Working from detailed site survey and soil investigation information developed by TGMS as part of the overall project and guided by the performance requirements of the college, a specification of works and full tender documents were developed and issued to four companies to price. The works included significant cut and fill works to transform a steeply sloping and undulating agricultural field into the site for the new synthetic surfaces and natural pitches.
Once the cut and fill works were completed, the formation layers for the synthetic surfaces were constructed and tested to ensure they had sufficient bearing capacity for the expected loadings. Once agreed the playing surfaces were installed including a full-size 3G rubber crumb filled football pitch (also capable of supporting 3 x 7-a-side pitches), a 2/3 size 2G sand-filled hockey training pitch and a small single netball size MUGA. All surfaces were fenced and floodlit in accordance with the planning application.
Working with Geoff Rutt, the Projects Officer for the College, tender interviews were held and G Thorntons (Contracts) were awarded the contract to construct the three synthetic surfaces.
TGMS then undertook the site supervision works including testing the formation surfaces during the construction phase. The site supervision works included assessing valuations, issuing valuation certificates and signing off each phase as it was completed. TGMS Ltd commissioned Labosports Ltd to undertake final testing of the surfaces ahead of practical completion.
Inspections during the works identified several small defects which were quickly and efficiently put right by Thornton’s.
The Synthetic Surfaces element of the project was worth in excess of £560,000 and was completed on-time and on budget. The facility is one of the best in the county and is widely used by a range of external clients as well as offering the Sports Staff some of the best surfaces for curriculum delivery within Kent.
The project was funded jointly by the Football Foundation and Kent County Council along with funds raised by the school and local community. Being able to tie-in the natural turf and synthetic turf contracts under one sports turf consultancy company made the whole project much easier to deliver for all parties.
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