The Project
Make developed the specification and tender documentation for the complete resurfacing of the existing MUGA and managed the procurement of the works on behalf of the Academy Trust. The works included removal and disposal of the existing sports carpet and shock pad, preparation and cleaning of the existing base, installation of a new shock pad and 40mm 3G sports surface, together with sand infill and new line markings for football, hockey and tennis.
The specification considered not only the initial installation but also the ongoing operation and maintenance of the facility, including product and installation warranties, maintenance requirements and client handover. This whole-life approach ensured that the selected solution responded to both the immediate sporting requirements and the long-term management of the facility. Make acted as Contract Administrator and Principal Designer, providing continuity from preparation and procurement through to construction and handover.
The Challenge
The project was delivered within a live school environment, requiring careful coordination of access, segregation and site operations to minimise disruption to the day-to-day operation of the Academy. The contract requirements included strict control of access and egress, secure segregation of working areas and close coordination of the contractor’s programme with the School and Contract Administrator. Programming was particularly important. The main construction works were limited to a four-week programme, requiring procurement, mobilisation and delivery to be carefully planned around the Academy’s restricted holiday periods and operational requirements.
The Outcome
The project replaced an end-of-life sports surface with a new multi-sport 3G facility, extending the useful life and improving the performance of an important part of the Academy’s external sports provision.Through careful programming and coordination, the works were managed around the operational requirements of the live school environment, with particular consideration given to site safety, access and the protection of the wider school site.
The project demonstrates Make’s experience in the specification, procurement and delivery of specialist external sports facilities, including consideration of sports-surface performance, multi-sport requirements, maintenance and whole-life operation. Combined with Make’s experience of feasibility studies and options appraisals for new and existing sports provision, this provides directly relevant experience for assessing and developing new outdoor sporting facilities.
