For years, poor drainage and persistent flooding had severely restricted the use of the grass football pitches at Hollyhedge Park in Wythenshawe. Operating at just 20% capacity, significant improvement works were needed to bring the area back into proper use. 

Managed by Manchester City Council, Hollyhedge Park is a public park and community sports hub serving residents, clubs and teams. The improvements were designed to create hard-wearing natural grass pitches capable of meeting FA Performance Quality Standards and supporting increased recreational and competitive play. The problem went below the surface. Evidence of a historic drainage system was found during earlier investigations, but it had long since ceased to function. 

Before the new drainage system was installed, Duncan Ross cultivated and graded the playing fields to produce an even surface with consistent falls across the area. This provided the levels needed for the improved pitches and prepared the site for the drainage works that followed. 

Duncan Ross Ltd’s work therefore centred on installing a new primary and secondary drainage system across the playing area. The primary system incorporated 160mm main drains and 80mm lateral drains, with laterals installed at five-metre centres. 

Above this, Koro Top Drain secondary drainage was installed at 90 degrees to the piped laterals. Sand-filled slits, 220mm deep and spaced at 500mm centres, provide the connection through the upper soil profile to the primary drainage below. 

Once drainage was complete, attention turned to rebuilding the playing surface. The area was lightly cultivated and fine graded before being top-dressed with sand at 150 tonnes per hectare, fertilised and seeded with PM81 Premier Renovation, a 100% perennial ryegrass mixture designed for high-performance winter sports pitches. A 370m post-and-rail fence, incorporating two access gates, was also installed along the western edge to help protect the improved playing pitch area. 

Delivering work of this scale within a public park also meant considering those continuing to use the surrounding space throughout construction. 

Project consultant Jon Wells of Steve Wells Associates praised Duncan Ross’s approach, describing the site throughout construction as “immaculate.” He also highlighted the team’s professionalism and consideration towards the public, from pausing tractor movements for pedestrians to taking time to speak with curious passers-by. 

On 5 August, partners and stakeholders gathered at Hollyhedge Park for the official “Spade in the Ground” event to mark the next phase of the project. The pitch improvement project was managed by MCRactive, Manchester’s not-for-profit organisation established and overseen by Manchester City Council, working alongside Manchester City Council and project partners to help deliver improved playing facilities for the local community. 

With the main construction phase complete, Hollyhedge Park has now moved into establishment and maintenance. The new grass surface requires careful management as its root system develops, with the first two seasons particularly important in allowing the new pitches to reach their full potential. 

The improved pitches are anticipated to be ready for play in Spring 2027.  

From a waterlogged two-hectare site operating at only 20% capacity to an improved sports facility ready to welcome players back, Hollyhedge Park is being restored for local clubs, players and the wider community.