Project Description
The £30 million redevelopment of the Lee Valley Ice Centre in East London was completed in 2023, offering a state-of-the-art sports facility nearly twice the size of its predecessor.
The centre boasts two Olympic-sized ice rinks, alongside a gym, dance studio and a versatile community spa. Located in Leyton, this expansive redevelopment aims to serve as a vibrant community hub for Walthamstow residents. It supports local schools, under-represented groups, and various community organizations. Additionally, it houses the Lee Valley Lions ice hockey team and the Lee Valley London Skating Club.
The Challenge
The project has been designed to support and enhance its surrounding ecosystem with native wildflower meadows, tree plantings and habitats for birds, bats, insects and hedgehogs. A sustainable drainage system efficiently manages rainwater and ice melt, and as part of the commitment to biodiversity and SuDS water management, a natural reinforced grass emergency access route was required as an integral part of the design.
The Solution
ABG’s mesh-element reinforced Advanced Turf natural grass system was specified and installed to provide a free-draining, discreetly reinforced, robust and compaction resistant natural grass access route. The reinforced grass system is suitable for trafficking by emergency vehicles and MEWPs accessing the facility, whilst supporting the site’s SuDS water management and green landscaping design. This avoided the need for a less environmentally and visually acceptable hard-paved surface.
The Advanced Turf System’s reinforced natural grass finish is suitable for a broad range of occasional-use trafficked applications, including emergency vehicle, MEWP and HGV service access routes, overflow parking, multi-use event areas, amenity lawns, walkways, helipads, roof gardens and sculptured slopes.
The ABG Service
ABG’s technical team provided detailed design and onsite support to the LDA team and installation contractor throughout the process.