Sports Labs is proud to announce the official opening of the new all-weather 3G pitch at Caldicot Leisure Centre.
Read MoreSports Labs Design Consultancy Supports Delivers Wales’ First Organic 3G Pitch at Caldicot
Sports Labs are proud to have acted as consultants on the delivery of the new all-weather 3G pitch at Caldicot Leisure Centre, officially opened in partnership with the Cymru Football Foundation (CFF), Monmouthshire County Council, and contractors, South Wales Sports Grounds.
This project represents an important investment in Welsh grassroots football infrastructure and highlights the value of collaboration in creating high-quality community sports facilities.
Working alongside all project partners, Sports Labs provided specialist consultancy support to help transform an end of use all weather pitch into a modern, world-class recreational space. The new facility has been designed not only to meet the demands of today’s game, but also to provide a sustainable, future-ready environment for the local community for years to come.
This project marks the first installation of its kind in Wales. Moving away from traditional rubber infill, the Caldicot pitch features an organic, cork-based infill system, delivering a high-performance playing surface while significantly reducing the environmental footprint of the facility and supporting a more environmentally responsible approach to long-term pitch performance and maintenance.
The Sustainable Standard
This project marks the first installation of its kind in Wales. Moving away from traditional rubber infill, the Caldicot pitch features an organic, cork-based infill system.This choice provides a high-performance playing surface that significantly reduces the environmental footprint of the facility.
But the sustainability at Caldicot extends beyond the surface. In collaboration with SWSGs, we integrated an EV-powered infrastructure, providing a dedicated power supply to the onsite container to facilitate the use of an electric maintenance tractor. This holistic approach ensures that the maintenance of the pitch is as environmentally conscious as its construction.
Delivering Technical Excellence
Sports Labs acted as the technical representative for Monmouthshire County Borough Council, taking the project from a feasibility concept to a fully operational community asset.
Our involvement followed a rigorous, end-to-end technical lifecycle:
Preparation and Brief
Early-stage site assessment to understand the existing surface failure and safety requirements.
Concept and Design
Development of a bespoke cost plan and an alternative layout tailored to modern recreational demands.
Developed Design
Collaborative refinement with the Cymru Football Foundation and the client to ensure long-term site viability.
Technical Design
Preparation of comprehensive specification working documents for tender.
Construction Management
Overseeing the project to ensure strict adherence to quality, health, and safety standards.
Handover and Close-out
Final snagging and quality assurance to ensure zero-defect delivery.
By managing the project through these six critical stages, we mitigated the risks associated with construction disputes and ensured the final asset met the highest international safety standards.
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Why This Project Sets a New Standard for Future Developments
For clients, including local authorities, clubs, and governing bodies, the Caldicot project demonstrates the tangible value of professional Consultancy.
For the Client
It transforms a liability (an unsafe, unusable space) into a high-value community asset that serves schools and grassroots clubs, driving health and wellbeing outcomes.
For Sports Labs
It reinforces our capability to deliver large-scale, sustainable sports engineering projects that balance high-performance requirements with complex environmental targets.
By hiring a partner who handles the entire Technical Design and construction oversight, facility owners ensure they secure funding, meet modern regulations, and minimise long-term maintenance costs.
"Sports Labs Consulting was delighted to continue the partnership working with the Cymru Football Foundation throughout the exciting project at the Caldicot Leisure Centre, leading the design, technical development and delivery management of the refurbishment works. Our role included transforming the facility into a modern, sustainable and world class recreational space, with a focus on future-proofed design, improved usability and environmentally conscious solutions, including the integration of organic infill systems and EV-powered maintenance infrastructure. We look forward to seeing the facility serve the community and continue on the projects with the CFF team."
Graeme Stewart
Consulting Operations Manager
To find out more about the client’s perspective on this project, please read the official announcement at MonLife.
Are you planning a sports infrastructure upgrade?
Contact our Consultancy team to discuss your feasibility study and technical design requirements.
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Why was the Caldicot pitch surface replaced?
The previous 2G surface had deteriorated to a point where it was no longer safe for play or conducive to modern sporting standards. The replacement was necessary to restore community access and safety.
What is the benefit of an organic cork infill system?
Cork infill is an organic, biodegradable alternative to traditional rubber (SBR). It provides comparable shock absorption and traction while significantly reducing microplastic contamination, making it a “green” choice for modern sports pitches.
How does Sports Labs ensure construction quality?
We implement Key Stage Inspections (KSI) and continuous project management to ensure that sub-base, drainage, and surface installations meet international quality benchmarks before final handover.