Context

Guinea Gap Leisure Centre in Wallasey boasts a 25m competition swimming pool, fitness studios and a sauna as well as 5-a-side multi-use games areas (MUGAs).

A rundown concrete court has been transformed into two state-of-the-art all-weather sports pitches. The project to build the two short-sided pitches in place of the old 'concrete cage' at the back of Guinea Gap was part of a wider scheme of improvements at the leisure centre.

Work undertaken

The old pitch and enclosure were ripped out and replaced with a new 3G astro-turf surface, enclosed by bespoke combined mesh fence panels and railings manufactured and supplied by Zaun Ltd, and installed by Dawn Fencing of Leigh.

The pitches feature the new generation of artificial grass and provide the perfect surface for 5- or 6-a-side football as it is hard-wearing and can be used in all weathers, while retaining the look and feel of natural grass.

The pitches are separated by a 3m divider fence to create two 20 x 32m playing surfaces.

To aid ball retention, the fencing goes up to 6m high, and comprises Zaun’s Duo8 Super Rebound™ combined with 1.8m-high blunt-top railings on one side, all fixed to the same fence posts to maximise through visibility.

The twin horizontal wire panels are highly durable, low maintenance, graffiti-proof and offer great rebound properties similar to a wall.

Outcome

Wirral councillor Chris Meaden, cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "The football 'cage' at Guinea Gap had fallen into a terrible state and needed replacing and we believe there will be a tremendous demand for the new, state of the art pitches which are currently being developed at the centre."

The centre was delighted to welcome HRH Prince William, Duke of Cambridge on 14th Sept.