Construction work completed on The UK’s first “dry” hockey pitch

Work has now been completed on the UK’s first “dry” hockey pitch in Basingstoke.

Construction work started in January to replace the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council-owned old artificial pitch at Down Grange Sports Complex in Kempshott, Basingstoke.

Having reached the end of its life, the old pitch next to the athletics track has been replaced with a new Poligras Paris GT pitch – the world’s first carbon zero hockey pitch.

Designed by SAPCA member, Polytan, the Poligras Paris GT zero Dry Hockey Turf embraces sustainable hockey. The pitch uses TurfGlide Technology, which means ball roll and ball speed is more controlled.

The pitch is also perfect for more fast paced hockey when it’s slightly irrigated. The turf also meets FIH Global Dry Innovation Certification and three FIH certifications overall. More importantly, it meets the National Category 3 certification that is required for National League hockey. It also upgrades to Olympic Level when there’s any moisture, dew or rain. Adapting to all types of weather while remaining sustainable.

Basingstoke Hockey Club will be the first club in the UK to have the turf ‘dry installation’ in green with blue surround.

The installation was completed by SAPCA member, AS Sports, while sports facilities consultant Wes Bugg – from another SAPCA member company, Surfacing Standards – played an instrumental role in the project.

The pitch will be home to Basingstoke Hockey Club, which has 22 teams and nearly 500 members – making it one of the biggest in the country.

Claire Brockbank, Chair of Basingstoke Hockey Club, said: “Our wonderful club is so excited to be the first in the UK to have this playing surface, it will provide our members and the local Basingstoke and Deane community with the ultimate sports facility and we are so grateful to the council for supporting the club’s continued development.”

Ashley Appleby, International Sales Manager at Polytan, said: “The Poligras Paris GT zero turf is amazing. The Sport Group chemists and engineers alongside our turf specialists at Polytan have developed something pioneering.”

To learn more about the Poligras Paris GT Zero pitch, click here.