Poligras installation begins at Tasmania's showcase football field

Glenorchy City Council and Football Federation Tasmania (FFT) have commenced construction of a FIFA two star artificial turf pitch at the city's King George V (KGV) sport and community precinct.

Installation of the Poligras Premier R/RS turf (manufactured by Sports Technology International) is being undertaken by Melbourne-based Grassports Australia who will be laying the artitificial turf on a 20mm elastic insitu shock pad.

With only one pitch at its Glenorchy base, installation of the new surface will mean no more washed out games or boggy grounds for the elite of Tasmanian football. As of its completion in March next year, the new surface is set to be home to two teams, the Glenorchy Knights and the Hobart Zebras, competing in the new (Melbourne Victory backed) Victory League in 2013.

Work on the surface began this week with FFT President Sean Collins and Federal MP for Denison Andrew Wilkie on hand to mark the start of redevelopment.

Collins explained that it was the start of an excellent development for Tasmanian football, particularly at the senior level, stating "what this facility will give us is a state-of-the-art artificial pitch as good as anywhere in Australia, which means we are not going to be held hostage to the weather in future years."

Grassports Australia were awarded the contract for installation of the surface following a rigorous tender process and thorough research on the project by FFT and Glenorchy City Council.

With 40 years experience, Grassports Australia Bernard G. Evans explains "Poligras Premier R/RS is a leading 'one turf' option that will offer the best possible performance to their new facility.

"The Premier R-RS incorporates the latest re-spring yarn together with 'cool yarn' technology to minimise heat generation and encourage year round participation for all ages and skill levels.

"In keeping with world class sustainability performance, the yarn has a 21% recycled component (enabling) usage to increase to ten times more than is currently available."

The installation of the of the Poligras Premier R/RS turf is its first in Australia and follows on from a recent successful installation of two surfaces ar Wakefield Park in Auckland New Zealand. The Auckland facility achieved a FIFA two star rating while also complying with International Rugby IRB rule 22 Compliance.

The $1.2 million redevelopment at the ground also includes a new scoreboard and fencing.

Installation of the surface forms part of the Federal Government funded $8.7 million Glenorchy Sports and Community Precinct Transformation/KGV sport and community precinct project.

With hopes for the precinct to expand into a $35 million development over five to 10 years, the overall project aims to incorporate sports clubs, community groups and health services and deliver benefits to the local Glenorchy and wider Hobart communities.

Click here to contact Grassports Australia via their entry in the Australasian Leisure Management Supplier Directory.