Ceremony marks the start of the construction of Highfield and Brookham’s all-weather pitch

Molly Fairbairn (England U16 Hockey and Old Highfieldian) and Phillip Evitt (Headmaster, Highfield School)

On Wednesday 21st August Molly Fairbairn, England U16 Hockey player visited her old school, Highfield and Brookham, to mark the start of the construction of their new all-weather pitch.

Highfield and Brookham Schools were delighted to receive full planning permission at the end of last year for the pitch and a pavilion. The development will accommodate a full-sized sand dressed hockey pitch, allowing for two smaller cross field pitches. The floodlights will allow the school to train and play in the evenings all year round.

The works will take around 14 weeks to complete and they therefore anticipate that it will be finished in November 2019. Smith Construction, based in Lincolnshire, won the tender and will be undertaking all the works. The construction will be project managed by Traction Sport, based in Dorset.

The all-weather pitch can be used, not only for hockey, but for hosting a full range of sports including lacrosse, cricket, football, PE, fitness sessions and after-school clubs. The pitch will be available for local sports clubs, schools and the wider community to use.

Molly is currently at Canford School in Wimborne and will be trying out for England U18 Hockey next month. Highfield and Brookham is where her love for sport first started.

Molly Fairbairn said, “Sport, particularly hockey, was a big part of my life at Highfield and Brookham and I have so many happy memories of being part of a team there. The astro is going to be a fantastic addition and I’m excited to come back and visit when it’s completed.”

The construction of the all-weather pitch starts the implementation of Highfield and Brookham’s Whole Estate Plan, led by Estate Manager Guy Baber. In March 2018 they become one of the first estates to have their Whole Estate Plan endorsed by the South Downs National Park, and the first estate with a school. Having been part of the Liphook and Lynchmere communities for over 100 years, the school enjoys extensive connections to the local community.

Phillip Evitt, Headmaster at Highfield School said, “This is something the has been in the making for many years and we know it will be worth the wait! We are immensely pleased that the construction has now started and even more so that Molly could join us to mark such an occasion – a legacy for future generations.”