SIS Pitches delivered four new sports pitches at the University of Manchester site in Fallowfield, including two hockey, one football and one rugby, with associated landscape works.
The 32-week project faced a number of challenges, including the first task which was to carry out a thorough sweep of the site to show that it was clear of unexploded bombs. Soon after, the team discovered a major culvert running across the area from one corner to another.
With Manchester renowned for adverse weather, a storm that swept across the city in September 2016 proved to be the biggest challenge. It was in fact the evening that Manchester City Football Club’s UEFA Champions League match was postponed due to widespread flooding of the city. With the ground now holding water, SIS Pitches quickly introduced a stabilisation programme, enabling the project to continue with minimal disruption until completion in December 2016.
The first pitch to be completed was the football field featuring SISTurf Superior 60, followed by the rugby field using SISTurf Rugger 60 onto an in situ pad, shortly after. The final two pitches for hockey feature the SISTurf Pro Hockey systems also laid onto in situ pads.
All four fields have been tested in accordance with framework requirements at key stages by the world-renowned independent testing laboratory, Labosport, then again upon completion to the appropriate governing body standards. Several SAPCA members carried out the work under the site management of Liam Wasj.
The Fallowfield site now has more synthetic turf pitches than any other UK facility, and is used by students and community alike.
