On behalf of House of Sport 4, South Wales Sports Grounds constructed two top tier 3G facilities on Ocean Park, Cardiff. The area beforehand was comprised of some old tennis and netball courts as well as some disused land that was in dire need of an upgrade. SWSG, working alongside CMB Engineering cleared the site, levelled the site using its own in-house equipment then proceeded to install drainage, lighting and civils, fencing, carpark works and much more.
The larger of the 2 pitches boasts 3 sides of spectator areas including 2 seated grandstands and a pitch kitted out for Top level football.
South Wales Sports Grounds also constructed the Carpark alongside to increase the venues capacity.
With Avante Architects designs and South Wales Sports Grounds expertise we were able to produce a premier level facility to the clients requirements turning a lost space into a financially sustainable facility for clubs and the community.
“Great to deal with people who listen and have a can-do attitude.”
“We look forward to producing more great facilities with you next year. Thank you for your continued support which we really appreciate”. – Steve Borley CMB Engineering
Site Address
Cardiff House Of Sport, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5HF.
Client
Steve Borley – CMB
Contract Value
£1.4 Million
Construction Duration
48 weeks
Completion Date
June 2021
Facility Details
Full Size Fifa Quality approved 3G 5000Sqm EN approved Football 3G
The Cardiff and Vale College project in 2021 encompassed the construction of a block of indoor tennis courts, extensions to the existing carpark, a full-size Welsh league FIFA standard 3G pitch as well as the installation of gas, water, power and fibre services for the new changing rooms, clubhouse and other constructions throughout the redeveloped site.
Through Avante Architects, SWSG constructed the tennis courts first with the installation of retaining walls and ring beams for the domes’ formation. Managing student and traffic flow throughout the project duration as well as COVID restriction, the challenges presented were overcome well, through planning and communication.
Utilising SWSG’s own in house plant and equipment, our trained staff re-levelled the old Bute town football club site and constructed the lighting, drainage, stone import and perimeter fence for the new 3G facility. With the addition of 2 grandstands and a future changing room facility to be completed, the pitch can provide an ongoing revenue for the school and provide a benefit to the local community.
Site Address
Cardiff and Vale College, Canal Parade, Cardiff, CF10 5BF
Client
Avante Architects Cardiff And Vale College
Contract Value
£1.5 Million
Constuction Duration
12 months.
Completion Date
September 2021
Facility Details
Full Size FIFA and World Rugby accredited 3G. Macadam MUGA with airdome
The project involved the construction of a new FIH National Specification sand dressed, synthetic turf hockey pitch, with additional line marking for football. The pitch was constructed complete with 3m/5m high fencing and a 350 lux floodlighting system. The new pitch displaced the former grass rugby field, which has been relocated to the former unused red-gra location. Significant issues had to be overcome at site, such as sensitive planning issues concerning floodlighting and drainage. All works were undertaken by SWSG operatives under the Project Management of Notts Sport.
“Further to achieving practical completion of the hockey pitch and associated works at Stanwell School, I would like to place on record our thanks for constructing the pitch in accordance with the specification and standards required.
The project was not a straightforward scheme with many aspects to consider from a cut and fill earthwork operation to re-grading and redeveloping the shale pitches into a high quality natural turf pitch and of course delivering an FIH National standard sand dressed synthetic pitch with fencing, lighting and access arrangements.
Throughout the contract period South Wales Sports Grounds provided excellent levels of communication and made the delivery phase which involved a variety of stakeholders a far easier process as a result.
We would have no hesitation in recommending South Wales Sports Grounds for a synthetic hockey pitch project and will hopefully work with you on our Notts Sport projects in the future.”
Duncan Bennett – Managing Director, Notts Sport Ltd.
Derek Jones – Stanwell School Duncan Bennett – Notts Sports LTD
Contract Value
£580,000
Construction Duration
25 Weeks
Completion Date
September 2015
Facility Details
Fullsize FIH sand dressed hockey surface
1000 square meter natural grass pitch
The Fitzalan High School project in Leckwith, Cardiff represented one of the largest in the company’s history. A project encompassing a multitude of surface types and construction methods the Fitzalan project showcased the variety and depth of knowledge we could carry out.
This development, on behalf of Kiers, included the construction of a Tier 1 hybrid surface, 3G FIFA Quality football pitch, 3G World Rugby pitch, 2G sand filled Multi Use Games Areas, full-size natural grass pitch and IAAF hammer throw cage and landing area. The project also includes the future construction of an FIH standard hockey surface, tarmac tennis courts and additional natural grass facilities all to be completed within the next year.
For all 7 pitches constructed we built bespoke drainage systems, perimeter fencing, tarmac paths, sports equipment, team shelters and floodlighting as well as the being the installers of the irrigation systems on the hybrid pitch and grandstand bases on the World Rugby 3G.
Alongside groundworks and landscaping contractors South Wales Sports Grounds managed pitch construction throughout the winter months for a phase 1 package completion in the summer of 2021 and handover to the client for use during the during construction of the new school.
The site is situated in a hub of sporting excellence in Leckwith, Cardiff, alongside Cardiff’s International Athletics Track which South Wales Sports Grounds redeveloped in 2019 as well as being alongside the existing Canton 3G and grass fields we constructed in 2016-2017 and Gol Centre Cardiff 5-a-side pitches, we resurfaced in 2020.
“Your teams’ collaboration, coordination and understanding of our requirements have been excellent. Nothing seems to be too much trouble and your team are truly client focused. The collaborative approach has been very refreshing especially with our programme issues in respect to delays to various pitches. Please on behalf of myself and the Kier Team thank your team for their efforts so far. May it long continue.”
Andy Miles – Keir
Site Address
Fitzalan High School Lawrenny Ave, Cardiff, CF11 8XB
Client
Andrew Miles – Keir
Contract Value
£3.35 Million
Construction Duration
12 Months
Completion Date
August 2021
Facility Details
Full Size SISGrass Hybrid Football Pitch FIFA and World Rugby Accredited 3G Surfaces Fullsize natural soil football pitch Large natural grass throwing areas Sanddressed MUGAs
Third Generation (3G)
Third Generation (3G) grass is the most common artificial sports pitch construction in recent years as it looks very close to natural grass yet allows the user to play throughout the year with minimal or even no games cancelled due to the weather. This virtual certainty in games going ahead no matter the weather provides consistency and reassurance to players and fans and also helps to reduce the risk of loss of revenue from cancelled fixtures.
In addition to the safety of less cancelled games a 3G pitch facility can provide a source of income from hiring the surface out to local teams for matches/training and to the local community.
3G surfaces can also provide a surface for winter contact sports i.e. rugby and football without fear of the injuries caused on less suitable artificial sand based synthetic surfaces or waterlogged/frozen natural pitches. It is an ideal surface for rugby training as it allows scrummaging and tackling without causing player injury or damage to your natural grass pitch.
Laying 3G surfaces consistently for the last 15 years, South Wales Sports grounds have experience of 3G surface installations from there their first appearance of the market to the latest surface technologies available to date. As we do not align ourselves to one manufacturer, we are able to provide impartial advise on the most suitable surface for your current and future needs.
Often, 3G surfaces form part of an overall construction completed by SWSG inclusive of Earthworks, drainage, fencing, lighting and much more providing a perfect surface for clubs, schools or professional teams to utilise as needed and hire out to the local community when available.
We use our vast experience of drainage and sub base construction to ensure whatever surface is put down will be free from undulations, avoid any sinkage and settlement and will drain freely. Installation of the surfaces is by our own in-house team with the knowledge and experience required for the best surface installation.
3G surfaces need to be maintained to a high level to allow them to perform as new and maintain a surfaces compliance with a manufacturers’ warranty, we will provide detailed maintenance information for your own in-house staff, or we can provide specialist maintenance on a contract basis.
Artificial – Sand Dressed / Filled
Since the early 1990s we have been installing sand-filled and sand dressed surfaces throughout the region. With well over 100 surface installations to our name ranging from sand-filled surfaces on a dynamic base to high specification sand dressed surfaces laid onto shockpads and engineered bases we have learnt a considerable amount about the benefits of artificial sand dressed surfaces. The need for good sound drainage and base construction are paramount for any surface and the skills and experience we have gained from the construction of Natural Grass have been transferred into our synthetic surfaces.
We are one of the only sports-field surface contractors to not rely on subcontract carpet installers. We have our own skilled operatives who have been installing carpets for over 25 years.
Despite the rise of 3G technology, sand dressed surfaces are still as popular as ever especially for hockey and tennis. The reduced maintenance requirements make the surfaces very popular in schools, communities or harder to reach areas along with the sand dressed surfaces often have a longer than average artificial lifespan, they often provide a more cost-effective solution
Where contact sports are not required, sand dressed surfaces can provide a lasting surface that can be laid and line marked to suit small sided games in addition to full-size match-play.
Alongside the construction of a World Rugby and FIFA compliant 3G surface South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG) werecommissioned to build a 400m 6 lane athletics track on the existing redgra area of Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive. The athletics track, built to encompass the newly installed 3G, will provide a training and competition surface for the school as well as the local community. Built with the subcontractor Polytan the surface also has the Polytan SmarTrack system enabling real-time timing and tracking using magnets laid beneath the surface. Users of the track can utilise this technology through an app on their phones to track their performance.
The athletics facility is built to the highest and latest technology in athletics surfaces and provides a fantastic asset to any school’s sportsday.
“The schools are delighted with their new sports facilities finished to an excellent standard and the care taken throughout the works to minimize any disruption to the school’s day to day running and at the same time ensuring the safety of the pupils. I would certainly recommend SWSG as a contractor on future projects”.
In conjunction with Bouygues UK, South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG) constructed a new football and hockey 3G surface as well as a macadam bank of tennis, basketball and netball courts at the extiting school site at Llantwit Major Comprehensive School. The 3G surface was topped with sand and rubber crumb with the MUGA finished with a sports colour coating paint for improved grip and surface longevity.
SWSG and its subcontractors were involved in all aspects of the construction including flootlights & electrical, drainage, subbase, stone and tarmacadam providing designs and information during pre-construction and carrying on with maintenance after the surfaces’ completion.
Site Address
Ham Ln E, East Llantwit Major CF61 1TQ
Client
Mike Baynham – Bouygues Projects Director
Contract Value
£550,000
Construction Duration
16 weeks
Completion Date
October 2017
Facility Details
FIFA Quality & FIH Accredited 3G Multi Use Games Area Polymeric Long & Triple Jump Run up and pit.
The project in Eastern High, Cardiff was a multi construct project with the installation of a full-size FIFA and World Rugby quality 3G surface, 2 large-scale tarmac multi-use-games-areas and a natural grass surface. The project was completed with the main contractor, Willmott Dixon.
The natural surface was built alongside the other facilities and provided a playing surface for the needs of the school’s rugby, football, hockey teams and many more.
The grass pitch was built as a Sport England Type 4 grass surface and therefore has both primary and secondary drainage, pitch dressing sand and grass seed & fertilizer.
Site Address
Trowbridge Rd, Rumney, Cardiff CF3 1XZ
Client
Jarred Owen – Senior Building Manager Willmott Dixon
Contract Value
£1.1 Million
Construction Duration
34 weeks
Completion Date
March 2017
Facility Details
Type 4 Natural Grass Pitch Fullsize FIFA and World Rugby Accredited 3G Surface 6 Court MUGAs for Tennis / Netball / Basketball and Football
South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG) were commissioned for the Design and Build of a new state of the art 3G facility for Llanishen Rugby Club in the Summer of 2018. The project was constructed on the existing school site at Llanishen High and as such, provided a top of the range facility to be utilised by both the club and school in tandem.
SWSG were involved from the original inception to the final products delivery working through designs, planning, client liaisons and much, much more.
Using the latest technologies in products and machinery, SWSG were able to construct the pitch with banked surrounds on three sides to minimise noise and light spill to the neighbouring community as well as utilising the ground model for a multipart attenuation system.
Along with the attenuated drainage, the facility was built with an 8m fence / net configuration, attenuation raft, dynamic stone base and shockpad.
Outside of the main facility, SWSG were involved in the design and build of the clubhouse, changing room facilities and carpark which involved the demolition of the older steel structure, full drainage and attenuation of the area and base works for the newest build.
The final product is certified to World Rugby and FIFA Quality
“Having met with a large number of pitch developers, Llanishen RFC decided that South Wales Sports Grounds provided the best overall package, not only in terms of value for money, which is vital, but also in terms of build time, build quality and project management. The development was completed on schedule, and the company provided a first class well managed service and workforce.
The site has also become a great attraction for touring rugby and football teams, as the quality of the facility and surface is high, as are the other on-site facilities. The other benefit to Llanishen RFC is that the renowned South Wales rain no longer causes matches to be cancelled.”
Gary Phillips – Club Chairman
Site Address
Llanishen High School, Heol Hir, Cardiff CF14 5YL
Client
Ian Burns – Facilities Manager Bryn Wilde – Manaing Director CDM Solutions
Contract Value
£1.1 Million
Construction Duration
30 weeks.
Completion Date
February 2019
Facility Details
9208m2 World Rugby and FIFA quality accredited 3G surface
Club House and Car Park
8m high banking surrounding pitch to reduce noise and light spill
Pitch Assist usage and mainteance monitoring
On Behalf of Caerphilly County Borough Council, South Wales Sports Grounds (SWSG) were commissioned to install a new Third Generation synthetic surface for use by Blackwood Comprehensive School and the surrounding area. The project involved the removal of the old existing ATP surface, drainage system and floodlighting columns in exchange for a larger World Rugby compliant all-weather pitch. The plateau required a considerable cut and fill process as well as new connections and accessways to suit the new footprint. In addition to a newly installed 8m High Fence / net configuration the surface was installed with a new floodlighting system, dynamic stone base, synthetic shockpad and a surface line-marked for rugby, football and small sided football. Works were completed and managed by SWSG in-house personnel throughout
FIFA and World Rugby Accredited 3G Surface 5m and 8m Surrounding Fence High Ball stop netting Equipment for Rugby and Football 8 column Floodlighting system.
