GRS has gone to the Races at Haydock Park

When your neighbor asks for a favor, the answer is simple: yes. For GRS Civil Engineering, a long-standing presence adjacent to one of the North West’s most iconic sporting venues has evolved from a respectful co-existence into a high-stakes infrastructure partnership.

A Relationship Built on Mutual Respect

For some time, GRS has been delivering a major residential infrastructure scheme for Rowland Homes on a development site bordering Haydock Park Racecourse. Throughout the duration of those works, the Jockey Club proved to be more than just a bystander; they were a brilliant neighbor—flexible, accommodating, and supportive of the complex works happening next door.

When the Jockey Club required a specialized drainage package delivered on the course itself, the transition from neighbors to partners was a natural progression. It is a testament to the idea that in civil engineering, the best contracts aren't always won through a rigid tender process, but through consistently doing the job right and maintaining strong local relationships.

"There is something uniquely satisfying about a relationship built on mutual respect turning into a working one. It’s about showing up, doing the job properly, and being a good neighbor."
— Tom Keane, Managing Director at GRS

Precision Under the Turf

While it may not be the largest project in the GRS portfolio, the Haydock Park scheme requires a high level of precision and care, given the iconic nature of the venue. The team is currently on-site installing a comprehensive drainage network designed to ensure the course remains in peak condition for years to come.

The scope of work involves the installation of 470 linear metres of 300mm surface water drainage and 460 linear metres of 150mm foul water drainage. Both systems connect into existing manholes, with the surface water connection requiring a strategic run directly through the course itself—a task that demands technical expertise and a delicate touch to preserve the integrity of the racing surface.