3G Football Training
Pitches

The Brief

The project to build 3G football training pitches was part of the council’s Sports Facilities Investment Plan, which sets out how sports facilities will be developed in the city over the next 10 years. Funding came from s106 developer contributions intended to provide community and social infrastructure.

On site from January 2024 to April 2024, Clarkson Alliance were appointed by Freedom Leisure for RIBA Stages 2-4 project cost reporting, and contract preparation and execution. We then followed with delivery of the project through Stages 5-6 with Cost and Project Management.

Project Delivery

• The selection of Withdean Sports Complex for this investment opportunity was particularly fitting as the Complex encompasses the former Brighton and Hove Albion football ground – now used as an athletics stadium.
• The pitches are located on the overflow carpark for the stadium which provided a suitable level area for 4Nr 20m x 30m 3G fully fenced training pitches. They required suitable disabled parking, spectator viewing shelters and floodlighting to ensure extended evening use.
• Extensive existing ground obstruction, services and drainage from former uses proved tricky, requiring detailed advanced surveys to facilitate a smooth delivery of works on site.

The Outcome

Despite some extreme winter rain and winds, the project was handed over 4 weeks ahead of the Contract completion date, enabling Freedom Leisure to bring forward their booking schedule.

The project was also delivered within budget, with the final account agreed on completion, leaving no residual financial risk for the client.

Even more importantly, the pitches have been very well received by local users. They are providing a much needed community facility, for example recently hosting a girl’s football tournament with in excess of 100 participants