Filton College

Kestrel On Right Track at Filton College

Experienced sports pitch contractors Kestrel have recently completed the construction of a high quality natural and artificial sports facility for Filton College.

The facility, which is also home to Bristol and West Athletics Club, underwent a major improvement programme which saw the grass pitch re-constructed and the all weather track extended from 6 to 8 lanes.

                          Running track at Filton College

The existing running track was extended to provide an 8 lane facility and the entire track was upgraded using an IAAF approved porous, spike resistant, impact-cushioning surface designed specifically for athletic tracks.

The scheme also included the construction of a full size double long / triple jump as well as two athletics D's in the same porous polymeric rubber surface and have been marked up for Javelin, Shot Putt, High Jump, Discuss and Hammer.

The project also allowed Kestrel to showcase their ability to design, manage and construct a high profile dual surface facility with the re-construction of a high quality natural grass sports pitch.

The new natural turf sports pitch which is to be used primarily for high level Football as well as American Football, was re-constructed using an approved sandy loam topsoil and a new lateral drainage system, installed at 4m centres.

The topsoil was then further improved with specialist sports sand and the pitch completed with the installation of a fully automated irrigation system, including tank and pump to aid establishment and ongoing performance.

The facility was completed with the installation of a new floodlighting system and 1.2m and 1.8m high powder coated weld mesh perimeter fencing system including a bespoke design to accommodate two portable spectator stands.

Nigel Hornsby, head of grounds at Filton College, who oversaw the project, commented

"Kestrel were originally selected  for a number of reasons as the successful contractor for this  unique project.

They performed well throughout the contract to deliver the scheme on time and on budget, they also reacted quickly and efficiently to a number of late design changes which more than justified their selection for this flagship scheme.

Kestrel also demonstrated an important empathy with our needs and expectations as well as a flexible approach within the project”.

                                     Water Jump

The certification of the facility, which was opened by Olympic Legend Wilson Kipketer, by the IAAF was a major success for Kestrel, in their first specialist artificial athletics facility.

To find out more about natural pitch improvements or all weather running track construction please contact us on 01256 880488, or complete the contact form on the left.