Case Study: Norwich City Football Club

Norwich City FC, who have played at the Carrow Road site since 1935, undertakes various updates almost every close season to enhance their facilities. For the spring and summer of 2022/23, we were chosen as the decorating contractor for significant upgrades. The project included converting an old office suite into the new Football in the Community suite and refurbishing 19 hospitality boxes along with the Regency Hospitality Suite. Given the venue’s high-profile nature and limited downtime, the challenge was to complete the work efficiently, safely, and to the highest standards within a very tight timescale.

Goals/Objectives:

The primary objective was to revitalise and modernise key areas of Carrow Road, aligning with the club’s commitment to providing top-notch facilities for fans and community programs. Specifically, we aimed to:

• Convert the old office suite into a functional and welcoming Football in the Community suite.
• Update the hospitality boxes and Regency Hospitality Suite to enhance the match-day experience for guests.
• Ensure all work was completed using the club’s chosen White Mist color scheme with Dulux Trade paint for a consistent and high-quality finish.

Approach/Solution:

Our approach focused on meticulous planning, coordination with other trades, and adherence to safety protocols to ensure timely and successful project completion. Here’s how we achieved this:

Football in the Community Suite:

• Preparation and Planning: We started by preparing the old office suite for conversion, ensuring that all surfaces were ready for painting.
• Painting and Finishing: The suite, including the kitchen area, male, female, and disabled toilets, and two private offices, was painted in Dulux Trade paint in the club's chosen White Mist color scheme. This provided a clean, fresh, and inviting look.
• Attention to Detail: Special attention was given to ensure the new suite was accessible and welcoming for all community members.

Hospitality Boxes and Regency Hospitality Suite:

• Surface Preparation: All adjoining walls were lined with Wallrock paper to ensure a smooth, durable surface. Joints were filled and sanded to achieve a flawless finish.
• Painting: The walls were then finished with Dulux Trade Vinyl Matt in White Mist, providing a sleek and professional appearance.
• Coordination and Timing: Given the tight timeframe and the presence of other trades, we meticulously planned our schedule to ensure seamless integration and timely completion. This included working around the Arctic Monkeys concert and pre-season friendlies, with no margin for error.

Results/Outcomes:

The project was completed successfully within the tight timescale, resulting in significant enhancements to Carrow Road’s facilities. Key outcomes included:

• Revitalized Community Suite: The new Football in the Community suite now provides a modern, functional space for the club’s outreach programs, supporting their community engagement efforts.
• Enhanced Hospitality Areas: The refurbished hospitality boxes and Regency Hospitality Suite now offer an upgraded experience for guests, aligning with the club’s high standards.
• On-Time Delivery: Despite the tight schedule and high-pressure environment, the project was completed on time. All carpets were laid the day before the first friendly match, ensuring that the stadium was ready for the new season.

Overall, the project not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating our ability to deliver high-quality decorating services under challenging conditions. Norwich City FC now benefits from improved facilities that support both their community initiatives and match-day hospitality, contributing to the club’s ongoing success and reputation.