Sheffield Hallam 3 G Pitches case stud 2y

Sheffield Hallam University 3G pitch refurbishment

Framework: SCAPE Construction Framework

Client: Sheffield Hallam University

Completed: September 2023

Value: £1.2m

Sector: Sports and Leisure

"This has been our first project working with Kier Places. As well as being a very friendly and helpful team, Kier were extremely collaborative in working with us to develop the designs in line with specialist industry specifications and minimise disruption to the adjacent live facilities while ensuring the end product was delivered on programme and to budget. Kier Places have been a pleasure to work with."

Chris Dales,

Sheffield Hallam University Senior Project Manager

In 2023, Kier installed two new 3G pitches that meet FIFA and World Cup Rugby standards for Sheffield Hallam University in Tinsley, one of Yorkshire's largest outdoor multi-sports facilities.

The Sports Park hosts many of the university’s sports teams and serves thousands of students, as well as amateur, professional, and recreational athletes each year.

The project was procured through the SCAPE Construction Framework. Due to the tight timeline, we collaborated with the client from the preconstruction stage to ensure the project was delivered on time. The benefits of utilising SCAPE contributed to completing the project on time and on budget.

The requirement was to replace two existing 3G pitch surfaces at Sheffield Hallam’s Sports Park in Tinsley.

The work included:

• The removal and disposal of the two existing 3G pitch surfaces

• The installation of new drainage, sub-base, macadam surface, shock pad, and turf

• Provision of new rugby and American football posts

• Creation of new dugouts with seating and storage areas for each pitch

• Widened and extended perimeter footpaths for spectators

• New pedestrian crossing

• Alterations to perimeter fencing to accommodate the new pitch areas.

The 3G (Third Generation) pitch features a surface composed of synthetic turf, sand infill, and rubber infill. Employed by professional and amateur sports teams worldwide, a 3G pitch offers numerous benefits, including all-weather and year-round usability, a surface that is less abrasive on the skin, and lower maintenance requirements due to its durability.

Proactive site management was necessary for the project team to adhere strictly to the schedule. The work plan was adjusted to accommodate flooding, which allowed the project team to continue the project's development safely and efficiently.

Due to ongoing work on the university estate, it was originally understood that all summer activities would be suspended. However, the client requested to continue using some of the facilities. Although this was not included in the original agreement, the program was adjusted to allow access to these facilities via a safe pedestrian walkway so clubs could still use the facilities.

The project team found a suspected asbestos pipe whilst removing the original 3G pitches, which they had tested. Once confirmed that the pipe was asbestos, we advised the client and rerouted our pipe run to avoid it. The client added this to their asbestos register.

The project was delivered on time and within budget. The project team collaborated closely with Kier's subcontractor, McArdle Sport Tec. They held weekly meetings with the subcontractors to discuss program updates and ensure transparency, along with "Toolbox Talks" to ensure the team adhered to the standards set by both the client and Kier. Fortnightly meetings with the client were also held to complete joint snagging and inspections. By maintaining consistent and transparent communication, both we and Kier were able to build and sustain a high level of confidence with the client.

Both pitches were required to have accreditations from their respective governing bodies: the football pitch was accredited by FIFA, and the rugby pitch was accredited by World Rugby. This project needed to be delivered to the highest quality possible, and this was achieved by:

A regularly updated quality management process
Inspection Test Plans
Grid-level checks after each application

An accredited testing company, Labosport, conducted the official testing and applied for accreditation certificates from FIFA and World Rugby. All accreditations were achieved on the first attempt, with no remedial work needed, thanks to Kier's efficient approach to quality.

In addition to being used by Sheffield Hallam’s sports teams, the facilities are also utilised by local community sports teams, including Sheffield United Women’s Football Club, Sheffield Wednesday Football Club’s academy, Rotherham United Football Club’s academy, the England under-18 Women’s Rugby Union team, and the FA Women's High Performance Goalkeeping Centres of Excellence, along with many local junior sports clubs, creating a fantastic collaborative community space for sports team.

“Health and wellbeing sits at the heart of every resilient community, and the improved facilities for Sheffield Hallam University will enhance sporting performance and recreation year-round for students and the local community."

Mark Robinson,

SCAPE group chief executive

Mark continued, "Kier has a strong track record of delivering projects via SCAPE, and this is another example of their efficient, professional response to a technical brief. The collaboration to complete the upgrades within time and cost constraints is a testament to the strong working relationship they developed with the university, and these sporting facilities will no doubt be enjoyed for years to come.”

10/10

Client satisfaction