Location :

Reservoir, VIC

Client :

St Joseph's The Worker Primary School

Year :

2024-2026

Sector :

Athletics | Condition Assessment | Detailed Design | Tender Construction | Superintendent

St Joseph’s the Worker Primary School in Reservoir is a vibrant Catholic learning community that values student wellbeing and physical activity. As part of their commitment to student health and fitness, the school sought to revitalise their running track, but not without doing their homework first.

SPORTENG was engaged to assess the condition of the existing track and provide technical guidance for remediation. The goal: ensure a safe, high-performing athletics surface that encourages participation and lasts the distance.

THE CHALLENGE

The existing running track was showing signs of deterioration. While a remediation proposal was already on the table, the client wanted confidence that the solution would be effective and fit-for-purpose. The track had to meet modern performance expectations while working within the constraints of a brownfield site in an active school environment.

 

SPORTENG’s role was to peer review the previous design and investigations, validate assumptions, and offer practical, data-driven recommendations to guide the school toward the right solution.

Machinery digging dirt on a Field of play

Machinery excavating soil on a Field of Play, while another field behind it remains in use within an active school environment.

Rocks and boulders on a field of play construction site

Boulders and rocks found on the brownfield site are being removed as part of the surface profile development.

Rocks and boulders on a field of play construction site

THE SOLUTION

We approached the project in structured phases, starting with a site investigation and condition assessment. Our engineers completed a detailed visual inspection of the running track, supported by a thorough review of:

  • FMG Engineering Investigation Reports
  • Site feature and level surveys
  • Geotechnical and environmental reports
  • Existing services plans and as-built documentation

From here, we delivered a Technical Report highlighting our findings and offering clear, actionable remediation recommendations tailored to the site’s specific conditions.

Following the assessment, SPORTENG progressed through concept and detailed design phases, working closely with the client and stakeholders via workshops and virtual meetings. Our team produced:

  • Concept and general layout plans
  • Technical specifications
  • Tender documentation, including a Bill of Quantities and cost estimates

We also supported the tender phase, helping the client evaluate submissions, respond to RFIs, and present an overall evaluation report to the client to assist in selecting the most suitable contractor. 

During construction, SPORTENG provided full contract administration support over a 16-week period.  This included material approval and witness inspections for key milestones like compaction testing, kerbing and concrete lay, geo-composite installation, crushed rock and asphalt works, drainage and flood testing, and acrylic surface lay. 

Finally, we closed the loop with a 52-week Defects Period. Our team conducted two formal inspections and provided a detailed defects list along with a final letter confirming design compliance.

Machineries in used in a field of play construction site
Witness inspections for key milestones like kerbing, drainage, asphalt works, and the synthetic surface installation. 
People with high vision safety vests walking around machineries on a field of play construction site
Witness inspections for key milestones like kerbing, drainage, asphalt works, and the synthetic surface installation. 
Machineries in used in a field of play construction site
Witness inspections for key milestones like kerbing, drainage, asphalt works, and the synthetic surface installation. 
Pile of rubbles in the middle of a field of play construction site
Witness inspections for key milestones like kerbing, drainage, asphalt works, and the synthetic surface installation. 
Machineries in used in a field of play construction site
Witness inspections for key milestones like kerbing, drainage, asphalt works, and the synthetic surface installation. 

THE SOLUTION

The revitalised athletics track alongside 2 multipurpose Netball/Basketball courts and long jump, now offers St Joseph’s students a safer and more functional space to run, race, and stay active. With expert peer review, thorough documentation, and construction oversight from SPORTENG, the client had confidence at every step of the journey, from investigation to installation.

 

Our involvement ensured the school received a well-informed, fit-for-purpose athletics surface designed for long-term performance, safety, and enjoyment.

 

Want to know more about how SPORTENG supports school sports infrastructure? 
Get in touch with our team or explore more education sector projects on our Projects Page.