Afon Taf High School: 3G Pitch Installation
Carrick Construction was appointed to construct Afon Tafs pitch and surrounds, being built to...
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Key Facts:
- Design and build project
- 3G artificial grass pitch construction
- SuDS elements
- School site
Project Summary
In May 2023, Carrick Construction was appointed by Swansea City Council to design and build a full size 3G artificial grass pitch to FIFA and World Rugby Quality Standards. The project was possible thanks to investment from the Welsh Government’s Community Focused Schools programme, which supports schools building stronger partnerships with families and responding to the needs of their communities.
To deliver the project with minimal disruption, temporary access roads were established to facilitate delivery and transport of materials and equipment. To minimise impact on teachers, pupils and parents, all deliveries were scheduled outside school pick up and drop off times.
Following completion of the earthworks, the drainage system and associated SuDS solutions were approved and construction of the 3G surface began.
The challenges
Working on a school site requires effective project management and communication with the client to ensure that the site is always completely safe and secure and that all contractors are fully approved.
During the build, a gas main inside the pitch perimeter was discovered which meant the outlined design could not be implemented without causing major disruption to the area and delays to project completion.
And finally, a key part of this project was the implementation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), which in Wales require sign off from a SuDS Approval Board (SAB) which is the Local Authority.
The solution
As with all contracts on school sites, Carrick ensures that all team members and sub-contractors are fully DBS checked and that the site is kept safe and secure at all times.
To combat the gas main, we implemented a re-design of the pitch and SuDS elements, and the build remained on schedule for completion.
To futureproof the pitch, an impermeable membrane was installed to protect against frost heave, and from a SuDS perspective three flow control chambers were implemented which flowed into a swale.
The results
The new pitch provided state of the art facilities for the children at Olchfa Comprehensive school, as well as giving the wider community a space to enjoy, play and train.
Final touches included the construction of the perimeter fencing and lighting, and the pitch was tested to confirm it achieved FIFA and World Rugby Quality Certification which was achieved.
We provided all necessary pitch maintenance equipment for the school, and alongside Group company STRI, a maintenance programme was prepared. We visited the site twice throughout the year to make sure everything was going according to plan and the pitch was performing to the high standards specified.
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