Client London Irish Holdings
Designer/maintenance contractor MJ Abbott
Architect Rob Everett, Sports Turf Research Institute (STRI)
Suppliers MJ Abbott Direct, Tarmac Topsport, Day Aggregates, Mansfield Sand, Geosynthetic Technology
Construction of training facilities and world class 17-pitch training complex for elite and community rugby. MJ Abbott carried out site clearance including demolition of existing buildings, driving range and filling of existing golf course lake, including high-energy impact compaction of fill material. Installation of 100,000m² area of three-layer lining system to plateau and within drainage trenches. Construction of 16 natural turf pitches and 3G artificial pitch featuring Rhino Turf surface achieving IRB 22 accreditation. Installation of floodlight system to three pitches. Construction of irrigation lake, borehole and wetland area, complete with aeration, timber fencing and reed planting. Various landscaping including new tree and shrub planting, wild flower grass mixes, gapping up of existing hedges, new hedging and timber fencing and access gates. Construction of car park area complete with rubber crumb pitch access pathways. MJ Abbott continues its relationship with London Irish by providing technical support and maintenance for the irrigation system.
Judges’ comments
"The very complex site has been very well thought out and with guidance from the STRI the contractor has delivered a superb piece of sports turf construction.
"Access to the site was via one small road, which had to cope with approximately 1,000 vehicle movements. The contractor demolished the old clubhouse and contoured the site to precisely match the actual stadium pitch."
Sponsor: MJ Abbott
