Key Facts:

  • Design and build project
  • Sports construction
  • Sports infrastructure construction
  • Ecological

Project Summary

In spring 2020 Carrick Construction successfully secured the design and build contract for Royal Grammar School Worcester’s new hockey centre, a joint venture with Worcester Hockey Club.

As principal contractors, Carrick mobilised on site to commence with the build and installation of the two FIH Global Hockey pitches and natural grass plateaux in autumn 2020. Associated works within Carrick’s scope included an access promenade, car parking and roadway tie-in.

The challenges

Projects such as Worcester International Hockey Centre require careful planning in a wide range of disciplines, with ecological considerations being at the core of the scheme. Changeable weather throughout and COVID-19 restrictions did create their own challenges for the team to overcome.

hockey pitch from a corner

The solution

Carrick worked closely with project management consultancy, Raise Partnership Ltd who were thrilled with the work completed. Managing director, Richard Savory said: “We pride ourselves that we always deliver our transformational projects on time and on budget, and Worcester International Hockey Centre is no exception. Carrick are easy to work with and have met every milestone from within their agreed cost envelope. The quality of the installation is evident for all to see.” At the core of all projects undertaken by Carrick, sustainability and the drive to preserve surrounding natural environments, and the grounds at Worcester International Hockey Centre embody this principle.

The floodlights were designed to use the latest energy efficient LED technology to reduce the amount of light spillage, and an ecologist was present on site to oversee key stages of the project to ensure wildlife and associated habitats were safely protected.

middle of hockey pitch with lines
drone view of hockey pitch being built

Having not been exposed to a project of this magnitude before, I’ve found the whole experience a very enlightening one. Carrick have been excellent partners in the project, very professional, very helpful, and just as importantly, on time and on budget.

by Andrew Waters, Worcester Hockey Club

THE RESULTS

The new pitches, alongside the state-of-the-art clubhouse, will have a huge impact on the club who, despite being one of the oldest hockey clubs in the country, have never had a site they can truly call home. According to the club’s Vice Chair, Andrew Waters, the development is a dream come true. He said: “After many years of hard work and planning to find ourselves a permanent home, the realisation is that the Hockey Centre will provide the opportunity for the hockey playing people of Worcester, and the wider community, to play on the highest standard of pitches, for now, and generations to come.

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