Project Brief: Create a hard-wearing spectating area that meets the clubs league requirements
Total Project Area: 300m²
Product Used: X-Grid
Playing in the North West Counties League Division One North, Holker Old Boys FC required an upgrade to their main spectating area that runs adjacent to the clubhouse to ensure they meet the requirements for the league.
SWN Plant Ltd, who provide plant hire, excavation and groundworks services throughout South Cumbria and North Lancashire, were awarded the contract to create the new spectating area.
Needing to replace the old hardscaped surface, SWN Plant proposed the use of X-Grid as it would provide the club with a hard-wearing, permeable, low-maintenance and aesthetically pleasing solution whilst at an affordable cost.
As well as 300m² X-Grid, additional products were required to begin the project including a non-woven geotextile membrane and 10mm blue clean slate from Burlington Aggregates Ltd.
After excavating the existing concrete standing area that was beginning to show signs of deterioration, the team built up a strong and stable sub-base, on which the gravel grids would be laid, using the products mentioned earlier.
The use of a geotextile membrane helps to reduce the risk of weeds and adds a vital separation between sub-base build-up layers. Being a fully permeable and SuDs compliant product, X-Grid removed the need for additional drainage solutions to be installed saving the club both time and money.
With the sub-base complete, X-Grid was installed onto a strong and well-prepared surface. Being lightweight and with uniquely designed interlocking slot and peg connections, one person is able to lay up to 100m² of X-Grid in just one hour! Simply and quickly all of the X-Grid gravel grid was laid before being filled with the 10mm blue clean slate to create a beautiful gravel surface.
The open-cell nature of our grid system ensures that the gravel used for the spectator space is retained and will not migrate, ensuring that ongoing maintenance of the surface is hugely reduced and keeps the areas looking as attractive as possible.
With the area only be used by pedestrians too, X-Grid was laid flush against the edge of the pitch and pinned in place for extra security, meaning no edge kerbs were required which again saved the club time and money.
Following the completion of the X-Grid project for Holker Old Boys FC, we spoke with Scott from SWN who told us:
"Due to its permeable function, X-Grid allowed construction without the need for additional drainage. As the area is pedestrian only, the use of pegs to pin the grids in place along the edge of the pitch allowed us to avoid the installation of edge kerbs. In both circumstances saving our client additional costs over alternative surface finishes.
"I have confidence in X-Grid's durability over the long term, also the fact that it’s made from recycled plastics gives us extra creditability as a responsible contractor in sourcing environmentally friendly products."
GCL Products is proud that X-Grid is trusted by countless reputable companies such as SWN Plant who continually offer our ground reinforcement grid as a solution to their customers and clients.
The gravel surface created outside of the Holker Old Boys clubhouse is outstanding and we are delighted it has provided them with a durable, permeable, low-maintenance and attractive surface that meets their league standards.
"X-Grid provides a great alternative over traditional surface finishes such as tarmac, in the right circumstances. A great balance between cost and practicality."
"Our customer (Holker Old Boys FC) is very happy with the finished product and has nothing but praise for the finished outcome."
For more information on X-Grid or to request a quote for an upcoming project, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can call us on 01246 418144 or LiveChat during office hours, outside of these times you can leave us a message.
