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Project Overview
We recently completed a comprehensive refurbishment of the Hyland Chelmsford Sports Hall, a project that transformed the facility whilst ensuring it remains functional for the diverse range of sports and events it hosts. The work was carried out over a two-week period from 21st July to 1st August, with a team of three skilled tradespeople working to deliver a high-quality finish that will protect the hall for years to come.
Scope of Work
The primary objective was to install protective boarding around the perimeter of the sports hall to safeguard the walls from damage caused by the multitude of sporting activities and events held in the facility. This practical solution addresses the ongoing maintenance challenges faced by facilities that accommodate everything from football and basketball to community events and exhibitions.
Beyond the protective measures, we also focused on enhancing the overall appearance of the hall. This included installing new skirting boards and architraves throughout the space to provide a clean, finished look that complements the protective boarding system.
Surface Preparation and Cleaning
Before any installation or painting work commenced, we undertook a thorough cleaning operation. The walls had accumulated decades of cobwebs, dust, and general grime that needed to be completely removed to ensure proper paint adhesion. This preparatory work was essential given the age of the facility and the high-traffic nature of the space.
All surfaces destined for painting were meticulously prepared using our Mirka dustless extraction system paired with Deros, Dexos, and Leros sanders. This equipment combination allowed us to achieve smooth, paint-ready surfaces whilst maintaining a clean working environment throughout the process.
Installation and Carpentry Work
The carpentry element of the project involved both removal and installation phases. We began by carefully removing existing rotten and damaged boards and skirting that had deteriorated over time. This work required precision to avoid damage to surrounding areas whilst ensuring all compromised materials were completely eliminated.
New protective boarding was then installed around the hall’s perimeter, positioned at the optimal height to provide maximum protection from sports equipment impact. The installation of new skirting boards and architraves followed, creating clean lines and a professional finish throughout the space.
All carpentry work was carried out using our comprehensive arrangement of Makita cordless tools, which provided the flexibility and power needed for efficient installation across the large hall space.
Paint Application
The painting specification called for Dulux Diamond Matt in ‘Grey Steel 3’ for the main wall areas, chosen for its durability and suitability for high-traffic environments. The low-level woodwork and protective boarding received two coats of Dulux Diamond Satin in ‘Grey Steel 2’, providing a complementary finish that offers enhanced durability in areas most susceptible to impact and wear.
Paint application was carried out using our Graco ST Max 2 airless spray pump for the main wall areas, ensuring even coverage and a professional finish across the large surface areas. Detail work and areas requiring precision were completed using traditional brush application methods.
Equipment and Timeline
The project utilised specialist access equipment, including a scissor lift for safe working at height across the hall’s considerable ceiling height. This equipment was essential for both the preparation and painting phases of the work.
The project timeline was carefully managed across ten working days. Days 1-2 focused on the removal of damaged materials, whilst days 2-5 concentrated on surface preparation. Installation work occupied days 5-7, with the final painting phase spanning days 7-10, combining both spray and brush application techniques to achieve the desired finish quality.
Project Completion
The completed project has delivered a significantly enhanced sports hall that maintains its full functionality whilst benefiting from comprehensive wall protection and a fresh, durable finish. The new protective boarding system will substantially reduce future maintenance requirements, whilst the professional paint finish ensures the facility presents well for all users and events.