Camberwell Grammar Sports Centre

Camberwell Grammar Sports Centre consisted of a $45 million dollar upgrade of the sports wing at Camberwell Grammar School situated in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. The development consisted of a 50m Olympic size swimming pool, two full size basketball courts, table tennis hall, gymnasiums, commercial kitchens and more. Pitchcraft was contracted under lead construction contractor Cockram Constructions to build a new multi-use natural sports field- entirely above a car park.

This project was certainly unique when compared to other sports field projects undertaken by Pitchcraft and one that was an exciting challenge for Pitchcraft to be able to contribute towards.

Pitchcraft’s involvement from early stages of the build assisted in the major logistical challenge posed by such major construction occurring within a highly developed and busy residential area. A high level of planning and cooperation across project managers, engineers, supply companies and contractors was key in the successful completion of the project.

Thanks to ample experience in producing first class sports field construction projects, Pitchcraft have adopted an approach to delivering results in challenging circumstances which balances between operating in a transparent manner, cooperating with other trades, and pro-actively managing any issues that may negatively impact on a premium result. With space being a highly rigid limitation for Camberwell Grammar, achieving highly functioning landscapes throughout the precinct was priority, with the sports field being no exception. Being raised on a concrete slab on top of a car pack, significant waterproofing or ‘tanking’ was undertaken before any corrosive material could contact the concrete slab.

Logistically, for the precinct construction to tolerate major works occurring in parallel, the concrete slab for the sports field had to be built in 2 stages storing and then double handling some material. Mega Flow flat pipe was used for drainage within a 250mm gravel layer which also housed irrigation infrastructure. The growing medium consisted of 300mm sand layer. The sports field included 3 natural cricket wicket tables with the centre block 4 wickets wide. The field was turfed with Santa Ana couch and over-sown with perennial ryegrass for the winter months.

Currently the surface is looking exceptional and Pitchcraft has retained a healthy professional relationship with Camberwell Grammar School maintenance staff.