Despite the most challenging of conditions, the firm delivered a secure triple-lane facility that will stand the test of time
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE
Building anything outdoors in winter is a tricky operation, but a cricket practice facility is something else.
Facing freezing temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and a club eager to start using their new nets by spring, this was precisely the challenge facing Dura-Sport when New Bradwell CC, in Milton Keynes, came calling.
In the winter of 2023-24, New Bradwell hired Dura-Sport to install a new triple-lane non-turf cricket practice facility complete with security fencing.
And, despite the above challenges facing Dura-Sport’s team, their expertise meant the project was completed successfully.
“Winter ground work is notoriously difficult,” says Dura-Sport’s Tim Laxton.
“Frozen soil is impossible to excavate properly, while waterlogged ground won't compact to the specifications required for a stable base. We had narrow weather windows—sometimes just days—to complete critical groundwork phases.
“Our approach involved daily weather monitoring and flexible scheduling.
“When conditions allowed, our teams mobilised quickly. When they didn't, we waited rather than compromise on base construction quality.”
Knowing that a poorly prepared base would cause problems for the entire 20-year lifespan of the facility, Dura-Sport’s patience paid dividends.
“Adhesives, resins, and surfacing materials all have optimal temperature ranges,” adds Tim.
“Drop below those temperatures and you risk poor bonding, surface defects, and premature failure.
“Our solution involved controlled environment techniques where possible, including temporary shelters for critical bonding work.
“We also carefully selected materials with better cold-weather performance characteristics and adjusted installation schedules to work during the warmest parts of the day.”
The welfare of Dura-Sport’s staff was also considered at all times, vital to ensure the project was delivered with top quality in minds.
“Let's be honest - asking installation teams to work in freezing, wet conditions is tough. But quality work requires focused, motivated teams who can feel their fingers,” says Tim.
“Our commitment was to proper welfare facilities, realistic working hours, and flexible scheduling.
“When conditions became genuinely unsafe or when quality would be compromised, we stopped work. No exceptions.”
Dura-Sport’s approach means New Bradwell now have a facility they can be proud of which will stand the test of time.
Despite multiple weather delays and challenging conditions, the triple-lane facility was completed to full specification and ready for the club's pre-season training.
“The base was properly prepared, the surface was installed to correct tolerances, and the netting system was tensioned to specification.
Most importantly, when the club's members started using the nets in March, everything worked exactly as it should.
There were no surface defects, no drainage issues, and no "we'll fix that in the spring" compromises.
"The most impressive thing wasn't the finished facility - it was watching Dura-Sport refuse to compromise when it would have been easier to just get it done," says James McMillan, of New Bradwell.
"That told us everything we needed to know about their commitment to quality."
Dura-Sport has been constructing and maintaining cricket facilities throughout the UK for over 25 years. Their ECB-approved systems and in-house installation teams deliver consistent quality regardless of the season. For more information, visit www.dura-sport.co.uk or call 0116 2813200.
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