THE grass is going to look a whole lot greener ... at the Galpharm Stadium.

The stadium’s high-tech Desso GrassMaster playing surface is set to be renewed this summer – for the first time in 15 years.

The stadium was a pioneer for GrassMaster, which was developed by the Dutch firm Desso and installed at the then McAlpine Stadium in 1996.

Since then, it has withstood intensive use by both Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants – as well as hosting rugby internationals and cup ties.

Premiership clubs Aston Villa and Chelsea followed by installing GrassMaster pitches the following year.

Other top clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have subsequently installed the system, which is authorised by both FIFA and UEFA for top competitions.

The system has also been installed at Wembley.

But the Galpharm playing surface has looked increasingly threadbare in recent months, prompting comments from concerned fans.

Phil Armitage, operations manager at the Galpharm, said: “We are delighted to be given the go ahead for this work to enable us to continue to provide both clubs with a top quality playing surface.

“The original system was installed at the stadium back in 1996, two years after the stadium was opened and it has paid rich dividends.

“We are one of the busiest stadiums in the country being home to Huddersfield Town and Huddersfield Giants.

“We are also a key venue for the Rugby Football League who host prestigious international matches and cup semi-finals, so the attractions of the GrassMaster system is obvious.”

Desso GrassMaster is a sports field of 100% natural grass reinforced with Desso synthetic grass fibres. The pitch is laid by computer-controlled machines similar to giant sewing machines which inject green artificial grass fibres into the ground.

Desso GrassMaster gives players the feeling of playing on a 100% natural grass pitch.

The stitching process takes about four weeks to complete, but the full installation takes up to 10 weeks.

Mr Armitage said: “Yearly refurbishment has been undertaken to the current Desso pitch by our contractors.

“Although the pitch was guaranteed for 10 years, its actual life is much longer.”

He said stadium owner Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd, had employed consultants to monitor the playing surface for many years.

“It was decided last year that 2011 would be the right time to do a full replacement of the pitch, including both the irrigation system and heating system,” said Mr Armitage.

Depending on technical criteria, the work is expected to cost about £250,000.

KSDL managing director Gareth Davies said: “Work should start midway through May – following the Giants match against St Helens if Town have gained automatic promotion or after the football play-offs if not.

“The project has a very tight programme of works. However, we are confident of being ready for the end of July.

“We have been working closely with both clubs to ensure minimum disruption.”

Mr Davies said he was particularly grateful to the Giants, who have agreed to play their home fixtures at The Shay in Halifax while work is in progress.

Giants director Richard Thewlis said: “Although this isn’t an ideal situation, we fully understand the reason and totally support KSDL and their grounds team who work tirelessly to provide a top quality playing surface for both our squad and Huddersfield Town.

“We have to acknowledge that whilst there is some inconvenience due to the works, this should stand us in good stead for the next 10 years or more – and it’s actually quite exciting and innovative for us to be able to play a few games at The Shay Stadium in Halifax during the renovation period.”

Town chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “A quality playing surface that is able to stand the demands placed on it from two clubsŠ all year round is very important, especially given our style of play.

“The ground-staff have had an increasingly difficult job in maintaining the pitch and that has been a growing concern for everyone.

“We are delighted at this news and the investment by KSDL.”