When plans were developed for the Dragons’ Den, the aim for two hockey pitches and a hockey specific Clubhouse were agreed.  The first phase of the project included the planning permission for both pitches and the fundraising and construction of the first pitch at a total cost of £650,000, including planning permission and legal costs to create the framework of ownership.  Phase 1 completed in June 2011 with the Official Opening Ceremony for Pitch 1 and was in partnership with The Hewett School and Town Close School.

Despite starting negotiations for the second pitch before the paint was dry on the first, little did we expect that Phase 2 would come along quite so quickly, however we are delighted to see that construction of the second pitch is now complete, as the photos below show.  The second pitch will be used fully for the 2015/16 pre-season and has been achieved through a partnership with Norwich High School for Girls, a Girls’ Day School Trust School.  The contractors appointed to build the second pitch were Bernhard’s Sports Surfaces, they have proven to be a high class installer, with the build quality and excellent aftersales service of the first pitch.  With such great feedback on the surface from the Club and School users of the first pitch, we agreed on the same specification for the second pitch.

With two pitches (red goals pitch and blue goals pitch) in place at the Den, thoughts will inevitably turn to a Clubhouse, with significant funds raised already, planning permission will be required, although initial discussions with the Council have been very positive.  The future is extremely bright at Norwich Dragons Hockey Club!!

‘Blue’ Pitch:

‘Red’ Pitch:

Construction of the new pitch: