PROJECT
Ballymena Showgrounds 3G Upgrade & Multi-Sports Games Area
CLIENT
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
TIME FRAME
January – August 2025
PROJECT BRIEF
CivCo delivered a full redevelopment of the Ballymena Showgrounds Facility – upgrading from a 2G to 3G synthetic pitch system and transforming the Showgrounds into a UFEA Category 3, FIFA Quality and FIH Multi-Sport complaint venue.
- Full Site Clearance – Removal of 2G carpet, rubber shock pad, infill and equipment, with responsible recycling and disposal.
- Drainage & Base Protection – Jetting and CCTV inspection of drainage systems, with localised repairs and porosity checks.
- Surface Preparation – Flatness and gradient tolerances corrected using approved self-levelling compounds.
- Shock Pad Installation – 20mm closed-cell cross-linked Polyolefin foam pad, meeting ISO 1923 and EN 14808 standards.
- 3G Synthetic Turf Installation – Dual-fibre tufted carpet with sand and SBR infill, meeting FIFA/FA guidelines.
- Line Markings – Inlaid 11-a-side and 7-a-side football markings installed.
- Technical Compliance – Independent UKAS-accredited testing pre and post handover, confirming performance standards.
- Environmental Considerations – Use of recyclable materials, licensed waste disposal and a microplastic containment-aligned maintenance plan.
- Performance Assurance – 15-year shock pad warranty, 5-year turf/workmanship warranty and scheduled maintenance visits.
PROJECT KEY POINTS
- Removal & recycling of the old 2G surface
- Drainage upgrades & base preparation
- Installation of a high-performance 20mm shock pad & 3G synthetic turf
- Inlaid line markings for multi sport purposes
- Independent UKAS-accredited testing to international standards
Sustainability & Assurance
- Recyclable turf & shock pad materials used
- Waste and infill responsibly disposed of
- Maintenance plan aligned with microplastic guidance
- 15-year warranty (shock pad) & 5-year warranty (synthetic turf/workmanship)
PROJECT OUTCOME
Ballymena Showgrounds 3G Upgrade & Multi Sports Games Area was delivered on time, within budget and to internationally recognised standards.
The new 3G pitch provides a high-performance, multi-sport surface for football and other field sports.
– Independent testing confirmed compliance with FIFA Quality and FIH Multi-Sport standards.
– Sustainable materials and environmental management reduced waste and ensured responsible construction practices.
– Long-term warranties and a detailed maintenance plan safeguard the facility’s durability and performance.
The completed project demonstrates CivCo’s capability to deliver technically complex, performance-tested and environmentally responsible sports infrastructure on time, to budget and specification.
PROJECT SERVICES
