Magazine - Let the work commence!

By Lee Jackson in Football on 23rd Mar 2003 0:00

LET THE WORK COMMENCE!

By Lee Jackson

Work started on the new pitch in mid February 2003 with the excavation of the existing

Following the drainage works, a permeable membrane was laid out. In case a sub air or equivalent system be put in at a later date, the membrane will stop finer particles getting into the pipe work. The membrane will then be covered by the 100mm gravel carpet bed which will be laser levelled to find the correct levels required for the other layers of the construction to carry on.

The concrete slab in the picture (right) shows

Despite the south end of the ground looking quite low from the outside, as

The work at the moment with the drainage is a slow process as the north stand is still being finished so the pitch work is being done bit by bit. The area that has had the drainage work completed to date has also had the gravel carpet laid down so that no time is wasted. Once the stand construction at the north end of the stadium is finished, the last part of

Another feature within the stadium is a block of seats in the south stand which can be easily removed, as you can see in the picture. The purpose of this is to act as an easy entry and exit point for spectators should a concert be staged at any time.

The stadium itself is situated in the east of the city approximately three

The new pitch will be reinforced with Desso Grass master as this was decided that it would be the most stable solution to the shade problems that we will encounter during the winter months when we start to lose grass cover. The main contractor is J.Mallinson of Ormskirk, with whom the club have developed an excellent relationship as they have carried out the contract works to Manchester City Football Club for many years. Mallinsons were responsible for the redevelopment of our Carrington Training Complex which recently won a BALI award for the construction quality.

As construction continues, I hope to bring you more information and pictures soon.

Read more articles in Football, by Lee Jackson or from March 2003.