As a result of some outstanding academic results Reepham High School, Norwich, was able to secure direct government funding for a new sixth-form building, located on the school’s existing playing fields. To replace these, the school purchased six hectares of adjacent agricultural land and put out to tender a new playing field ‘design and build’ contract in summer 2008.

Considerable interest was shown from specialist companies around the country and Turfdry was chosen as the preferred contractor.

Turfdry came up with a range of different layouts and the one chosen by the school incorporated a 400-metre athletics track, football, rugby, and hockey pitches, training grids, and a cricket square/outfield suitable to stage county matches.

The main works took place over a twelve-month period and involved: site clearance; stripping and stockpiling topsoil; major ‘cut and fill’ earthworks to create a single four-hectare plateau; laser leveling; topsoil replacement; cricket square construction; perimeter fencing; cultivation and seeding.

Following completion of the works a 12-month ‘growing-in’ period was managed by Turfdry and the new field was handed-over to the school in May 2010, in time for the official opening at the ‘School Sports Day’ in July.

The success of the project was further acknowledged when the scheme was short-listed for Turf Professional magazine’s ‘Turf Project of the Year 2010’. 

Testimonial

"Reepham High School & College has a new 16 acre sports ground which provides marvelous facilities for its students and community. The project which saw this field converted from a rough rural field to the landscaped sports ground with drainage and almost billiard top finish is down to Turfdry, who were extremely professional from beginning to end by the professionalism of the company as well as the knowledge and commitment of its Managing Director. I certainly have no reservations at all in recommending them."

Chris Hassell - Headmaster, Reepham High School