Business Details
47 Years
experience
Expert Sports Surface Design & Construction Services
Smith Construction has been a leading force in sports surface design and construction since 1979, combining extensive industry experience with a commitment to innovation. Our expertise spans civil engineering, ground stabilisation, and the development of artificial and natural sports surfaces, serving clients across the UK. With a focus on sustainability and quality, we deliver projects ranging from athletics tracks to multi-use games areas, supported by accreditations from industry bodies like Britpave and CHAS. Our partnerships with organisations such as the Independent Schools Football Association and Limonta Spa highlight our dedication to excellence.Over four decades, we have built lasting relationships with clients, suppliers, and communities, ensuring projects meet exacting standards while minimising environmental impact. Our in-house design team and specialist divisions provide end-to-end solutions, from feasibility studies to maintenance, underpinned by a 25-year track record in 3G turf installation. We prioritise client collaboration, offering flexible funding options through SMITH ADVANTAGE to expedite project delivery without compromising on quality or safety.
Services
Sports Surfaces
Civil Engineering
Ground Stabilisation
Drainage Solutions
3G Turf Installation
Athletics Track Construction
Maintenance Services
Design Consultancy
Plant Hire
Landscaping
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialist experience in sports surface construction
- Our ISO-certified processes ensure compliance with industry standards
- We provide end-to-end project management from design to maintenance
- Our partnership with Limonta Spa guarantees access to premium turf technology
- We implement sustainable practices including recycled material usage
Associations and certifications
- Britpave
- CHAS
- Constructionline
- LimontaSport FPP
- SAPCA
What people say
Outstanding 3G pitches
Expertise in athletics tracks
Professional team
Sustainable practices
Timely delivery
Services
3G Turf Installation
We design and install FIFA-certified 3G football and rugby pitches using advanced turf systems. Our solutions feature shockpad technology for enhanced safety and performance, with substructures engineered for longevity. Projects include full-size pitches, 5-a-side courts, and multi-use games areas, all backed by 25-year guarantees.
Athletics Track Construction
Our expertise covers IAAF-compliant 400m tracks and training facilities, incorporating precision drainage and stabilised bases. We utilise proprietary polymeric surfaces for optimal athlete performance and durability. Recent projects include warm-up tracks for the London 2012 Olympics and field event infrastructure.
Ground Stabilisation
We employ lime and cement stabilisation techniques to improve load-bearing capacity, reducing imported materials by 40%. This method enables construction on challenging soils while minimising environmental impact. Applications include sports pitches, road bases, and industrial sites across the UK.
Drainage Solutions
Our drainage systems combine foul sewer connections with sustainable urban drainage (SuDS) approaches. We design attenuation schemes for car parks and sports facilities, ensuring compliance with Environment Agency standards. Services include interceptor installation and land drain systems for agricultural and amenity spaces.
Sports Surface Maintenance
We offer comprehensive maintenance packages including pitch de-compaction, floodlight servicing, and independent performance testing. Our technicians use specialist equipment for surface cleaning and repairs, ensuring continued compliance with sports governing body requirements and extending facility lifespan.
People
Ken Smith
Managing Director
With over 40 years in the industry, Ken leads strategic direction while maintaining client relationships. He oversees quality assurance across all projects, leveraging his expertise in civil engineering and sports surface design to ensure technical excellence.
Tim Phipps
Divisional Manager Design & Contracts
Tim manages design teams and contract delivery, bringing 25 years' experience in sports infrastructure projects. He specialises in CAD design and technical specifications, ensuring compliance with governing body standards for football, rugby, and athletics facilities.
Mark Brown
Surfacing Manager
Mark oversees tarmac and synthetic surfacing operations, with expertise in porous macadam applications. He manages surfacing teams for major contracts including Olympic athletics tracks, maintaining tolerances within 3mm for precision performance surfaces.
Sophie Spencer
Contracts Coordinator & Health & Safety Manager
Sophie ensures project compliance with health and safety regulations while coordinating contract logistics. She manages risk assessments and client communications, maintaining the company's 40-year safety record in live environment construction projects.
Russ Smith
Plant & Transport Manager
Russ manages a fleet of specialist machinery including 20t excavators and dynamic compaction rollers. He ensures equipment availability for projects nationwide, maintaining CITB-certified operators and overseeing transport logistics for large-scale civil engineering works.
Questions
What types of sports surfaces do you specialise in?
We specialise in artificial turf for football, rugby, hockey, tennis, and athletics tracks, as well as natural grass pitches and multi-use games areas.
Can you assist with sports facility funding?
Yes, our SMITH ADVANTAGE scheme offers flexible financing solutions for new facilities or refurbishments, typically over 3-7 year terms.
Are your installations compliant with sports governing bodies?
All surfaces meet requirements of organisations including FIFA, World Rugby, and the IAAF, with warranties up to 25 years.
Do you provide maintenance services for installed surfaces?
Yes, our dedicated maintenance division offers annual servicing, repairs, and performance testing for artificial pitches and tracks.
What civil engineering services do you offer?
We provide ground stabilisation, drainage systems, dynamic compaction, and infrastructure works for commercial, industrial, and sports projects.
How do you ensure sustainability in projects?
We use recycled materials, hybrid vehicles, and sustainable drainage systems while minimising transport movements and waste production.
