Lancing Preparatory School MUGA Refurbishment

Lancing Preparatory School (Brighton) - simply delighted to have STM handover of their new MUGA.

Synthetic Turf Management (STM) successfully won the open tender in 2021 on the back of two successful design and build projects, one full size 3G pitch, MUGA and double Tennis Court project in Southampton via Morgan Sindall Construction and a further MUGA project in Brighton with a neighbouring school.

The initial brief was just a resurface of the old sand filled Astro turf which was more than twelve years old. However, the project feasibility study showed the school also wanted to extend the use to evenings and also incorporate other sports. By looking at these requirements the school would naturally increase participation, extend the sports provision and creating additional income.

With this in mind STM designed an extension to the existing surface which would allow for the chosen sports, increases the fencing specification to the surrounds and introduced a new LED floodlighting system.

By introducing the additional features and facility did require planning, STM supported the school in the planning process including specifications and designs. The site had a number of challenges to overcome with the planning taking more than a year to overcome. On one fence run we needed to install a retaining wall which required specialist engineer calculations and design, not only for the construction but also to work in terms of how it visually sat in the school environment. 

As this was an existing facility we expected problems with planning to surround the new floodlights. However, these passed through easily due to the choice of lighting having cowls on each individual LED light to reduce glare and spill into neighbouring properties. The lighting was also incorporated into the corner post section of the fence.

The biggest issue we faced was drainage as there were no drawings or plans from the initial install. STM carried out new drainage calculations for the extension area which showed there was enough attenuation within the system so we didn't have to install any further drainage or connect into an existing soakaway. The saved the client financially and time within the planning phase.

Product selection? The school wanted a durable sand dressed product that would be suitable for the range of multi-use sports. The school also requested the artificial turf to be blue to not only match the school colours but to also tie in with new blue fence.

MUGA markings consisted of Netball courts, Tennis courts and hockey so the school could maximise use for their PE lessons.

The project was schedule in for a 5 week build time due to difficult site access and also the nature of the works which included the walling and tarmac of additional pathway. Due to extreme weather condition and supply chain delays due to adverse weather the site did run into the school term. The client was accommodating understanding the extensive rain conditions and the level of detail required to complete each section of work with key stage inspections before the new phase could progress.

On completion the school received their handover welcome pack along with a school specific rules board ready for use.  Are you planning a new sporting facility, perhaps a refurbishment of an existing court, pitch or multi-use games area Synthetic Turf Management are ready to help.

STM can support schools and sports clubs overcome these processes by offering design and build services.