Significant advancement is being made in the construction of Everton FC’s new stadium.
- SEL Environmental, collaborating with Laing O’Rourke, commenced work on the pitch in April.
- The gravel layer and undersoil heating infrastructure are now taking shape.
- These features are pivotal for the ‘world-class’ hybrid grass surface.
- Completion of the project remains on schedule, with grass seeding set for early October.
Everton Football Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock is witnessing substantial progress, particularly with the installation of its playing surface. Since April, SEL Environmental, working alongside Laing O’Rourke, has been actively engaged in preparing the pitch. They started with the excavation of the piling mat and the installation of utility ducting, marking the initial stages of this complex project.
With the foundational work laid, the project has moved into its next phase, featuring the deployment of an impermeable membrane and a fusion-welded liner. These elements create a watertight base essential for upper layer activities. Concurrently, a sophisticated drainage system has been integrated, enabling water storage vital for irrigation purposes.
Currently, attention is focused on the upper levels, where gravel is being uniformly distributed. This gravel layer is meticulously designed to safeguard the underlying drainage system from potential damage. Resting atop this protective layer are undersoil heating pipes, which will extend across the entire playing field, ensuring optimal conditions for the grass.
The upcoming phases include the installation of both lower and upper rootzones followed by the seeding process of the hybrid SIS grass surface. This cutting-edge surface will consist predominantly of natural grass, enhanced with a fraction of polyethylene fibres to accelerate recovery time post-use. It’s anticipated that grass seeding will commence by early October, paving the way for the introduction of machinery tailored to stitch synthetic fibres into the grass roots, thus fortifying the surface.
While the stadium infrastructure reached completion in February, the club has strategically decided against hosting matches in this new venue until mid-2025. This timeline provides ample opportunity to ensure that every aspect of the stadium, including its innovative playing surface, meets the highest standards of quality and durability.
With construction progressing according to plan, Everton’s new stadium is on track to be a premier facility by 2025.
