Many sports require a specialist surface to ensure that players have the best possible conditions. The performance of a sports surface is critical and, as a result, it is important to work with an experienced surfacing contractor who understands exactly how to meet your requirements. Depending on the sport in question, the technical specifications of the surface will also differ, and these are often regulated by sporting bodies such as the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA).
Know your sports surface options
As with any surface, the condition of the substrate will determine the success of the finished result. As sports surfaces have precise laying requirements, a responsible contractor will need to assess the substrate carefully to ensure that the necessary results can be delivered. If necessary, the substrate can be replaced. However, it is important to ensure that the root causes of any issues are identified and addressed at this point so that the new surface doesn’t experience the same failings.
Working with a contractor that understands the demands in this sector will add value to any sports surfacing project. Understanding the technical requirements outlined by different industry bodies and having a proven track record for delivery will provide customers with complete peace of mind. Plus, previous experience with sports surfacing will provide opportunities for value engineering, both in terms of material choice and programme efficiency.
Tailor your sports surface to your requirements
It’s important to ensure that your sports surface is the perfect fit for your requirements. The pace of innovation within the surfacing industry ensures that there are always technical developments that can be incorporated into projects. The precise specifications associated with sports surfacing mean that innovative plant and techniques can add considerable value by enhancing the quality and efficiency of material delivery. By working with an experienced surfacing contractor, you can be confident in the best possible results and can take full advantage of their knowledge and experience.
Our previous sports surfacing projects demonstrate how solutions can be tailored to specific requirements:
Darley Park Playing Field
As part of a local regeneration scheme, Derby City Council required a new tennis court and multiuse games areas. These sports surfaces needed to be compliant with SAPCA specifications and, as a result, they needed to be completely level. To meet these precise requirements, Toppesfield used a laser paver to ensure that the resulting surfaces were delivered to a tolerance within 3mm. The sports courts were surfaced separately, with an initial visit used to surface the 2000m2 tennis court and a second to surface the 1975m2 games area. In order to achieve the best possible results, the team laid specialist surfacing courses – Ultisport Tennis 6 surface and Ultisport MUGA – on top of a fresh binder course.
Whitechapel Sports Centre
Whitechapel Sports Centre needed a pitch upgrade and, through our partnership with Balfour Beatty, Toppesfield were contracted to complete the necessary surfacing works. This pitch was used by construction workers during London’s Crossrail infrastructure projects and was then handed back to the sports centre after the refurbishment had been completed. Having worked on sports surfacing projects like these since 2004, Toppesfield was perfectly placed to upgrade the pitch. 120 tonnes of ‘Sportsphalt’ was laid at a 10mm depth to ensure the required performance, and this was delivered within a single shift. Plus, as an additional benefit for the customer, all staff and fleet involved in the project were Crossrail compliant.
Three Sisters Race Circuit
Motorsport also requires specialist surfacing solutions in order to deliver the durability that is required to minimise downtime for maintenance. This circuit in the North West receives heavy traffic on a daily basis as it is used for racing, vehicle testing, and leisure karting. Toppesfield were approached to provide a suitably robust surface for both the 1.5km circuit and a smaller ‘bambino’ track that is used to train younger drivers. We worked closely with the customer to determine the best possible material choice, before adding value by utilising echelon paving techniques to increase asset resilience. This approach reduced the number of longitudinal joints, improving the longevity of the material and minimising the need for future maintenance. Toppesfield planed more than 16,800m2 of asphalt over three shifts and then laid 1820 tonnes of material over a further three shifts.
Choosing the right sports surface
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to sports surfacing. The best results are highly dependent on project-specific requirements. The innovation within the surfacing industry ensures that there are always new approaches that can improve delivery and can meet the technical specifications outlined by the relevant industry bodies. As an independent surfacing contractor, Toppesfield has access to the entire UK supplier market and can provide the widest possible choice when it comes to sourcing materials for sports surfacing projects. Moreover, our ability to invest in plant on a project-by-project basis demonstrates our commitment to delivering the best possible results. We will take the time to understand your sports surfacing requirements and will meet them in full.
