Avenue Primary School – MUGA Pitch

Avenue Primary School – MUGA Pitch

Key Facts:

Client Name: Avenue Primary School
Location: Manor Park, London
Type of client: Education, Primary School
Discipline provided by M+C: Architectural Design | Planning Services | Procurement | Building Surveying | Project Management
Value: £270,000
Contractors: ETC Sports Surfaces
M+C Lead: Philip Ruffle

Facing the challenges posed by an urban school site; Avenue Primary School appointed Munday + Cramer to design and carry out the project management of a new Multi-Use Games Area. Located in Manor Park, East London; the school is entirely encircled by housing. A fast-growing and successful school, the site poses significant challenges to balance the needs of teaching and outdoor space.

The MUGA was selected to replace the existing grass playing field to the rear of the school; the only major outdoor area on the entire site. Each year, poor weather conditions hamper the provision of PE as well as the use of outdoor space for break-times. With over 1000m3 of space available, the layout provides both basketball and netball courts to be provided individually (as well as football line markings and goals); allowing for a number of sports to be taught simultaneously. The use of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 system provides a high-quality sand-dressed surface. The drainage of the MUGA using this system means that within 30 minutes of heavy rainfall, it can be used again.

ETC Sports Surfaces were appointed to deliver the scheme on site, following the design and planning process undertaken by Munday + Cramer, along with a comprehensive tender process. With such heavy restrictions on the site, works were phased to allow the school to operate safely and with minimal impact from the works. Enabling works, including pathways around the MUGA, as well as the majority of fencing were installed during the summer break. The installation of the MUGA itself was carried out during term-time within the secured work area. With such close neighbours, keen consideration was given at all times to the impact of works.