Laying the road

Our paver has been hard at work laying the asphalt in layers, with the binder course going down first followed by the surface course. Each layer is laid to the correct levels and compacted by our rollers to give a smooth, durable finish that will stand up to everyday traffic for years to come.

Kerbs and footpaths

Before any surfacing could begin, our team set the kerbs to define the road edges and footpath routes. The curved footpath sections in particular take real care to get right, and they’re looking very smart now the asphalt is down.

Drainage and concrete works

Alongside the surfacing, our civils team has been installing linear drainage channels, with steel reinforcement fixed and formwork set ready for the concrete surround. As always, it’s the work below and alongside the surface that ensures everything performs properly over the long term.

Proud to work locally

As a Lincolnshire business, we always enjoy working on projects close to home, and it’s great to see this one coming together so well. A big thank you to our tarmac gang and civils team for their hard work on site.

What’s next

Works are continuing at Metheringham, and we’ll be sharing further updates as the project progresses.

If you have a road, car park or surfacing project coming up, our team would be happy to talk it through. Call us on 01529 461500 or visit smithsportscivils.co.uk.

Getting started

The first few weeks of any pitch project are all about preparation, and that’s exactly where we are now. The site has been cleared and our team is well into the early groundworks, with our dumpers and machinery busy preparing the ground for what comes next.

It might not look like much yet, but this stage is one of the most important parts of the whole build. A 3G pitch is only as good as what lies beneath it, so getting the levels, formation and groundworks right from the outset is key to a surface that plays well and lasts for years to come.

What happens next

Over the coming weeks the project will move through each stage of the build, from the groundworks and drainage through to the base construction and the installation of the synthetic surface. We’ll be sharing progress updates along the way, so you can follow the transformation from bare ground to a finished pitch.

A great facility for the school

A new 3G pitch gives students a high quality, all weather surface they can use throughout the year, whatever the weather. We’re proud to be working with Attleborough Academy on this project and can’t wait to see it come together.

Planning a pitch project?

If your school, academy or club is considering a new or upgraded pitch, our team would be happy to talk through your options. Call us on 01529 461500 or visit smithsportscivils.co.uk to find out more.

Starting below ground

Much of the most important work on any car park is never seen once it’s finished. Our civils team carried out the full groundworks package, including excavation, drainage runs, inspection chambers and the installation of an underground tank system. Each pipe was laid to falls on a stone bed, and the tank was set on a reinforced concrete base, cast in a carefully excavated pit before backfilling. Getting this stage right means the car park will drain properly and perform reliably for years to come.

Building related civils

Alongside the car park, our team completed the civil works associated with the new padel building. This included concrete slabs, service connections and preparing the ground around the structure so following trades could get straight on with their work.

Fencing and access

High security mesh fencing now runs around the site perimeter, together with a sliding vehicle gate and floodlighting columns. The result is a secure, well lit space for everyone visiting the facility.

Kerbing and tarmac surfacing

With the base prepared, kerbs were set to define the car park and access road, before our surfacing team laid and rolled the tarmac. The curved access road leading up to the gate makes for a smooth, practical approach to the site.

Line marking and finishing touches

The final stage was line marking, including clearly defined parking bays and accessible spaces with yellow hatching. A cycle shelter, topsoiled borders and tidy edges complete a car park that’s ready for players and visitors.

What’s next

The car park is just one part of a larger scheme, and our teams are continuing with the remaining works at Lewsey Park. We’ll be sharing more updates as the project progresses.

If you have a car park, access road or sports facility project coming up, our team would be happy to talk it through. Call us on 01529 461500 or visit smithsportscivils.co.uk.

A real mix of machines

No two loads have looked the same. Our trailers have carried a wide range of brand new JCB equipment, including:

• Rollers
• Micro diggers
• Mini diggers
• Trackbarrows
• 8 tonne diggers

Alongside the standard diesel machines, a number of these deliveries have been JCB’s plug in electric models. It has been great to see more electric plant making its way into hire fleets, giving customers a quieter, zero emission option for working in towns, near homes and on sites where noise and fumes need to be kept to a minimum.

Careful loading, safe arrival

Moving brand new equipment comes with a responsibility to get it there in exactly the condition it left the depot. Every machine is loaded, positioned and strapped down by our experienced drivers, with the load planned around the size and weight of each piece of kit. Whether it is a single 8 tonne excavator or a full trailer of micro diggers, rollers and trackbarrows heading north, the same care goes into every journey.

Our fleet of low loaders and beavertail trucks gives us the flexibility to handle mixed loads like these efficiently, so customers receive their new machines on time and ready to go to work.

Supporting the wider industry

We are proud to play a part in getting new plant from dealer to depot, and it is a great example of the work our Low Loader Service does every week alongside supporting our own construction and civils projects. Long distance runs to Scotland, regular deliveries into the North West and East Anglia, and everything in between: our team takes it all in their stride.

A big thank you to our drivers for their hard work over the past month, and to TC Harrison and MKM for trusting us with their new machines.

Need plant moved?

If you need machinery transported, whether it is brand new kit or equipment moving between sites, our Low Loader Service is here to help. Call us on 01529 462101 or visit smithsportscivils.co.uk to find out more.

Overview

Smith Construction was appointed to carry out full refurbishment works on an existing tennis court for a private client in Lincolnshire. The project is a great example of the breadth of work our team delivers, from large-scale school and community sports facilities through to private residential and rural projects.

The Works

The court underwent a comprehensive resurfacing programme to restore it to an excellent playing standard. Our team carried out the works efficiently and to a high finish, leaving the client with a facility ready for immediate use.

The Result

The refurbished court is a significant improvement on what was there before and gives the client a quality sports surface to enjoy for years to come. Smith Construction is proud to support private clients as well as schools, local authorities, and sports clubs in improving their sports facilities, however large or small the project.

If you are considering a tennis court refurbishment or new build, our team would be delighted to discuss your options.

Overview

Smith Construction was proud to partner with North Kesteven District Council to host a site visit for pupils from Metheringham Primary School at the NKDC Metheringham Depot. The visit offered young people a rare and exciting opportunity to see construction and waste management operations up close, and to meet the professionals who carry out this work every day.

What Happened

The day began with NKDC providing the children with a guided tour of the recycling facility, giving them an insight into how waste is processed and the importance of sustainable disposal. A live demonstration of a bin lorry in operation proved a particular highlight, bringing to life the vehicles the children see on their streets every week.

The pupils then joined the Smith Construction team on site, where they had the opportunity to sit in one of our diggers and explore the equipment our teams use on a daily basis. The children were engaged, enthusiastic, and full of brilliant questions for the team.

Why It Matters

At Smith Construction, we believe that inspiring the next generation is as important as the projects we deliver. Visits like this play a valuable role in introducing young people to the range of careers available in construction, civil engineering, and environmental services, and in showing them that these industries are exciting, varied, and rewarding.

We are grateful to NKDC for their partnership in making this visit possible, and to the pupils and staff of Metheringham Primary School for their enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day.

These drone images say more than words ever could. Looking down at this breathtaking site, it is hard to believe how far this project has come, and what has been created here for the students, staff, and wider community of Christ’s Hospital School will stand as a testament to what great teamwork, great vision, and exceptional craftsmanship can achieve.

What We Built

This extraordinary project delivered some of the finest sports and outdoor facilities in the UK, including:

• A professional-grade 400-metre athletics track
• The UK’s first outdoor “Get Active” adventure trail
• Four padel courts supporting one of the fastest-growing racket sports in Europe
• Extensive landscaping and civil engineering works throughout the site

Together, these facilities represent a new standard for school-based sports provision in the UK, and a lasting investment in the health, wellbeing, and achievement of generations of young people.

A Personal Milestone

This project holds a very special place in our hearts. It marks the final project for Tim, whose dedication, expertise, and passion have been at the heart of Smith Construction for so long. To bring this extraordinary scheme to full completion as Tim’s final project is something the entire team is deeply honoured by. We could not have asked for a more fitting tribute.

Recognised on the National Stage

We are incredibly proud that this project was named Large Project of the Year at the SAPCA Awards 2026, one of the most prestigious events in the UK sports and play construction industry. To be recognised by a panel of industry leaders for the work we have delivered here is a moment we will not forget.

Thank You

A project of this scale is never the work of one company alone, and we want to take a moment to properly recognise the incredible team that made this happen.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Christ’s Hospital School, Bluecoat Sports Centre, LK2, Mac Convillies, and Tully’s, as well as every single member of the Smith Construction team who gave their all to deliver something truly special here.

You can read more about this project on our website via the links below:

• The £9M Transformation: https://smithsportscivils.co.uk/next-level-sport-smith-constructions-9m-transformation-at-christs-hospital/
• Padel Court Handover: https://smithsportscivils.co.uk/christs-hospital-school-horsham-padel-court-handover/
• SAPCA Large Project of the Year 2026: https://smithsportscivils.co.uk/weve-won-the-sapca-large-project-of-the-year-2026/

The Very Best of British.

Our Maintenance team are out on the road every day delivering specialist surface care and line marking services to sports facilities across the country, so it only felt right that the van doing all those miles looked the part too!

We worked with the brilliant team at GRS Signs to bring our updated branding to life, and the result is something we’re really proud of. The full vehicle wrap features our signature blue and Union Jack design, showcasing exactly who we are and what we stand for: the very best of British.

Whether our van pulls up at your facility or you spot it out on the roads, there’s no missing it now!

A huge thank you to Russ and the team at GRS Signs for doing such a fantastic job. If you’re looking for vehicle branding, signage or print, we can’t recommend them enough.

Interested in our surface care and line marking services? Get in touch with the team today on 01529 462101 or visit www.smithsportscivils.co.uk.

The Project

The brief was to design and construct a full-size 3G pitch to deliver a high-quality, all-weather playing surface for the college and its students. As with many projects of this scale, the planning phase presented its challenges, but from the moment our teams arrived on site, the focus was firmly on delivering a facility that would stand the test of time and serve the college community for years to come.

The finished pitches speak for themselves. Immaculate line markings, deep green artificial turf, and a surface built to the standards that Smith Construction is known for across the UK.

What the Client Said

The most rewarding part of any project is handing it over to a happy client, and Freman College did not disappoint.

On completion, the college shared this feedback:

“Whilst the project was frustrating and time consuming during the planning phase, we would like to really thank you and your teams for their work on our site over the last six months. The pride that your teams take and the standards they work to are refreshing, in particular the Smith Construction teams led by Joe and Kane.”

It is feedback like this that drives our team to keep delivering exceptional work on every project we take on.

Our Team

A special mention goes to Joe and Kane, who led the Smith Construction teams on site throughout the project. Their dedication to quality and professionalism throughout the build is reflected in both the finished facility and the glowing response from the college.

The Result

Freman College now has a first-class 3G facility ready for use by students, staff and the wider community. We are proud to have delivered it and wish the college many years of enjoyment from their new pitch.

If you are looking to develop a new sports facility and would like to speak to an experienced team, we would love to hear from you. Get in touch at info@smithsportscivils.co.uk or call 01529 461500.

The award recognises our work on the Expansion of Bluecoats Sports at Christ’s Hospital School in Horsham, Sussex. A project we are incredibly proud of and one that truly represents the best of what we do.

A Night to Remember

The SAPCA Awards 2026 gala dinner was held at the iconic Allianz Stadium in Twickenham, London, bringing together the finest companies across the sports and play construction sector. Now in their 11th year, the awards celebrate outstanding achievement, innovation, and the positive impact that high-quality sports facilities have on communities across the UK.

This year’s competition was fierce — more than 30 entries were submitted across six categories, and we were up against excellent companies in our category. Being selected as the winner by a judging panel of industry leaders is a recognition that means a great deal to our entire team.

The Project: Bluecoats Sports Expansion at Christ’s Hospital School

Christ’s Hospital School is one of the UK’s most distinguished educational establishments, and the Bluecoats Sports Expansion project gave us the opportunity to create a truly exceptional sporting facility worthy of its surroundings.

From the outset, our goal was to deliver a project that would serve students and the wider community for decades to come, combining technical excellence with sensitivity to the school’s heritage setting. We’re proud that the judges recognised this commitment to quality.

What This Award Means to Us

Winning the SAPCA Large Project of the Year is a fantastic achievement for everyone at Smith Construction. It reflects the dedication, expertise, and craftsmanship that our team brings to every project we undertake.

SAPCA Technical Lead Colin Corline summed it up well at the ceremony: the winning projects “highlighted the amazing impact that the facilities created by SAPCA members make in communities across the UK.” That community impact is at the heart of everything we do.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank:

• Christ’s Hospital School for trusting us with this outstanding project
• The SAPCA judging panel for recognising our work
• Our incredible team whose skill and dedication made this possible
• All our partners and suppliers who contributed to the project’s success

Looking Ahead

This award inspires us to continue raising the bar on every project we deliver. Whether we’re working on school sports facilities, community hubs, or elite performance venues, our commitment remains the same: to build sports and play spaces that make a genuine difference.

If you’re planning a sports facility project and would like to talk to an award-winning team, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch with us today, let’s build something great together.