Playrite Scores a Hat-Trick in South Wales
Not one, not two, but
three leisure centres in South Wales were lucky enough to be chosen
by Caerphilly District Council to receive an upgrade to their
current sports pitches. The centres had always been popular but
over the last few years level of usage had lessoned as the state of
the pitch surfaces worsened. Two of the old surfaces were
needlepunch and one a redgra, but it was decided that the leisure
centres could improve their facilities by providing a third
generation surface manufactured by Playrite, which due to its
longevity would add value to each centre as well as being suitable
for a wider range of sports and applications.
Nigel Powel at Caerphilly District Council selected Conqueror 40
as being the ideal surface to meet all three leisure centre's
requirements as it looks like real grass and offers similar playing
characteristics whilst meeting FIH and FIFA 1 Star equivalent IATS
performance standards as well as EN 15330 part 1. He was also
keen to have a contractor with all the relevant experience carry
out the necessary works and selected South Wales Sports Grounds,
who have a vast experience of installing third generation pitches
and are well known for high quality works and attention to detail
throughout South Wales. Gary Kneller of South Wales Sports Grounds
explained how he was extremely pleased with Playrite's Conqueror 40
product and reported that his fitters found laying both the
underlay and the top surface trouble free and straight forwards,
even though each site had different requirements and sub
bases.
Heolddu Leisure Centre was the first project and required the
excavation of the previous redgra surface and a new base creating
before Playrite's Conqueror 40 could be laid on top. The leisure
centre wanted a multi use games area that could be used throughout
the day, every day of the week, regardless of weather
conditions. The centre in Mid Glamorgan has a vision to
improve the physical and cultural well being of the residents and
visitors of Caerphilly County Borough, and now thanks to the 6,100
m² new sports pitch Heolddu Leisure Centre has achieved this with
record figures.
Newbridge Leisure Centre was the second project and this time
required the removal of the previous needlepunch surface that had
been installed for many years. There were concerns that the old
pitch would soon be deemed as unusable, and after the success at
Heolddu Leisure Centre it was decided that Newbridge deserved the
same update so that its pitch could be used for both hockey and
football and with the correct maintenance could last the club for
10 years.
Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre near Blackwood is the third project
that Playrite and South Wales Sports Grounds worked on with
Caerphilly Council. Previously the pitch had a needlepunch surface
installed, as with Newbridge and although the surface had served
the centre and local schools for many years it was decided that a
new 3G surface would provide a better playing surface and increase
the pitches usability. Changing the pitch also meant that the
centre now had the opportunity to increase the size and
approximately 6890m² of Playrite's Conqueror 40 was installed in
November 2011.
Gary Kneller of South Wales Sports Grounds explained how:
"Playrite have long been manufacturers of synthetic surfaces, and
we have been laying their carpets for over 15 years, There were no
issues with delivery and the client is extremely pleased with the
results of all of the sites."
Nigel Powell of Caerphilly Council worked very closely with
Playrite's Sean Colbert to ensure the project went as smoothly as
possible. He commented:
"I have been extremely pleased with the Playrite Conqueror
product and the installation provided by South Wales Sports
Grounds. I am sure that the efforts of both companies will be a
benefit to the local community for years to come."
Friday, January 27, 2012