ATHLETES in the borough can now benefit from new track facilities at Down Grange Sports Complex following the completion of much-needed improvements.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s eight-lane athletics track has undergone £220,000 of track refurbishment work including resurfacing the athletics arena.

The reopening of the track, which has been closed since April, marks the completion of the first phase of plans to enhance the athletics facilities at the sports complex in Pack Lane, Kempshott.

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A second phase of the project, which includes a spectator stand, timekeepers’ stand and perimeter fencing, is expected to get under way later this year and will be funded by the council’s capital programme and section 106 developers’ contributions. In addition, the council is working with Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club to install a new clubhouse which will be funded by the athletics club.

The improvements form part of a wider project to enhance the sports facilities at Down Grange Sports Complex to meet the needs of the sports clubs based there and other users of the popular facilities.

Cabinet member for partnerships Cllr Jenny Vaux said: “The council has a commitment to provide residents with outstanding leisure and sports facilities which will assist in improving the health and mental wellbeing of our residents.

“We have been working with the sports clubs who use our facilities at Down Grange Sports Complex to help meet their aspirations to improve and expand them to meet growing membership numbers and enable them to compete at the highest level. We have already worked with Basingstoke Hockey Club to support the growth of their club by building a second artificial pitch and provided Local Infrastructure Funding to Basingstoke Rugby Club to extend their changing facilities to meet national governing body regulations.

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“The athletics track is used by Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, schools in the borough, individuals and other running and sports clubs. It is a popular facility that was at the end of its life and in need of modernising. The completion of this project now ensures the track is fit for purpose, adheres to UK Athletics and England Athletics’ regulations and enables the club to host high level athletics competitions, catering for our borough’s top athletes and attracting others further afield.”

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