ATHLETES in the borough are set to benefit from new facilities following the completion of work to improve the athletics facilities at Down Grange Sports Complex.
The Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council-owned athletics track has already undergone £220,000 of track refurbishment work. This included the resurfacing of the track and the arena.
Now the second phase of the project, which includes the installation of a new spectator stand and officials’ building, has just been completed. Work has also included the installation of perimeter fencing to help protect the new facilities from anti-social behaviour and misuse.
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The project has been funded through the council’s capital funding programme and developers’ contributions.
A new path has been created running from the entrance car park to the far end car park, providing a safe route to the artificial grass pitches and the Maidenwell Pavilion, past the track.
In addition to improvements organised by the council, a new clubhouse is also being built for Basingstoke and Mid Hants Athletics Club, following a long fundraising campaign by the club.
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Cabinet member for partnerships, Cllr Jenny Vaux, said: “I’m delighted to see this project reach completion after several years of planning. The athletics track is an important facility for our many athletes in the borough to both train and compete on and I know the excellent new facilities will be well used and appreciated.
"We have top-class athletes competing in the borough and it is important we are helping to meet their needs and the borough’s vibrant running community as a whole. This investment is a substantial one and it is important we protect these new and rejuvenated facilities, which is why we have installed fencing around the perimeter.”
The athletics track is still available to the public and is free to use for up to three people. Groups of three or more people do need to book the facility and can find out more information at basingstoke.gov.uk/hire-sports-facilities
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