STRI Group, a global design, engineering and management consultancy, has been appointed by Blackburn Rovers Football Club to ‘deliver, design and build’ a new stadium pitch at Ewood Park.

They have been appointed to ‘deliver a comprehensive design and build solution for the redevelopment of the stadium pitch’ after technical assessment work which was commissioned by the English Football League.

STRI group was initially engaged by the EFL in December last year to ‘investigate the causes of match postponements due to waterlogging at the stadium’.

Following a detailed assessment and report of this, they were later engaged by Blackburn Rovers to provide a further investigation alongside design and delivery services for ‘both immediate challenges and long-term pitch performance’.
On being appointed by Blackburn Rovers for the redevelopment, the Development Director James Podesta said: “We’re delighted to be working alongside Blackburn Rovers. The redevelopment will address critical elements such as primary drainage, soil profile enhancement, irrigation systems and pitch run-offs, ensuring the surface can perform consistently under the demands of professional football.”

Construction at Ewood Park will begin on 4th May, with Carrick Construction delivering the work in close collaboration with STRI’s design and consultancy teams to ensure that specifications are met.

The integrated approach that is being taken for the redevelopment work combines ‘technical design expertise with practical delivery, providing a streamlined solution from concept through to completion’.