New cricket facilities at Perse School

The brief

Providing co-ed education at pre-prep, prep and upper school level on three separate sites, the Perse School in Cambridge was looking to re-vamp its existing natural cricket facility in line with its modern approach to the sport and retain its position as one of the strongest cricket schools in Cambridgeshire.

The solution

One of the key factors that had to be taken into account on this project was the fact that the school needed the natural pitch to be play-ready for the 2011 season; giving just 7 months from completion of major works to start of play on the ground.

With this in mind, the excavation for the new square and 12 pitches was done to the minimum depth that would allow the ground to be sufficiently established within the time allowed. Since construction work was completed, total-play has worked closely with the Perse School grounds management team  to ensure that the pitch reached the 2011 season in peak condition for play, offering maintenance  and support services where required. The proof is in the pudding and the school has made regular use of the pitch all season, both competitively and in practice.