Lea Hough is excited to be working on a fantastic new project at Hollins High School in Accrington: a modern Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) that will transform an old tarmac playground into a high-quality 3G astroturf pitch. Designed primarily for junior football and other team sports, the floodlit facility will be a huge asset for both the school and the local community in Accrington.
The new pitch will provide the PE Department with a safe, all-weather surface that can be used throughout the school day, significantly enhancing the sports provision for pupils. Thanks to the installation of floodlights, the MUGA will also be available for use during evenings and weekends by local junior football clubs and sports groups, addressing a significant shortage of floodlit pitches in Hyndburn and neighbouring Rossendale. This will help meet growing demand from grassroots clubs eager for more training and match venues.
Our involvement has been comprehensive: from securing planning permission from Hyndburn Borough Council to conducting all necessary site surveys, preparing detailed drawings, and writing the project specification. We managed the tender process and appointed the contractor, then held pre-start meetings to align client and contractor expectations.
Currently, we are overseeing the build as Contract Administrator, ensuring the project stays on track and meets quality standards, while also fulfilling the Principal Designer role under the UK’s Construction (Design and Management) Regulations to ensure safety and compliance throughout.
The floodlighting design incorporates measures to minimise light spill and glare, reducing any potential disturbance to nearby residential properties. The floodlights will operate on agreed operating hours to balance community benefit with local amenity protection.
The facility is set to be completed by spring 2026, promising a fantastic new sports venue for Hollins pupils and a much-needed floodlit pitch for local junior teams in Accrington and beyond.
At Lea Hough, we’re proud to play a key role in bringing this important project to life and look forward to seeing the pitch in full use soon.
