The challenge for the White Horse Contractors team was to complete the works during the short window to allow the new pitch to grow in ready for the start of the preseason fixtures. The planning and preparation phase of the project was organised by Contracts Manager Juan Caballos Ferreira, so after the season was completed the White Horse Contractors team moved our fleet specialist machinery into the stadium and began the full package of works.

The challenge for the White Horse Contractors team was to complete the works during the short window to allow the new pitch to grow in ready for the start of the preseason fixtures. The planning and preparation phase of the project was organised by Contracts Manager Juan Caballos Ferreira, so after the season was completed the White Horse Contractors team moved our fleet specialist machinery into the stadium and began the full package of works.

The project consisted of a new upper profile including removing the existing GrassMaster (Desso) pitch and rootzone and sand. The materials were removed, screened, and recycled to a local company to reduce the environmental impact of the project. The next stage of the project was importing of 1500 tonnes of new materials for the new surface. Once levelled, the ground was cultivated and seeded ahead of long-term partners GrassMaster’s hybrid turf system being stitched, with 20 million fibres across the playing surface.

The White Horse Contractors team were also upgrading the irrigation system under the pitch and extending the undersoil heating system around the perimeter of the pitch. This was due to the areas freezing during the winter months and creating a dangerous run off area for both the assistant referees and the players. Upgraded ducting was integrated with the new Macadam tarmac surrounds and 4G artificial sports turf being installed around the outside of the pitch. The new look surrounds were completed by White Horse Contractors sister company S&C Slatter as the two companies worked together to show the benefits of The Slatter Group on such elite projects.

After 10 years on their old hybrid sportsturf playing surface, the board have invested in a full upgrade of the playing surface. Operations manager Joshua Scott explains the benefits “10 years ago was the last time we did the pitch here, and in 2014 we were nominated for pitch of the year, it shows you each time you do a major renovation it makes a significant difference.”